Dance: Doing Something Different
Dance: Something for Everyone
What’s the first thing you think of when hearing the word dance? Is it Gene Kelley, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers? Or maybe Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, or Derek Hough? Is it ballroom, tap, or ballet? Or something more modern like hip-hop? No matter what you thought of, there’s one thing for certain; dance is always changing. The best part about that constant evolution is that dance can be fun for everyone… even if you have two left feet.
Choosing Your Style
With so many different styles, how do you find the right groove for you? You don’t have to go to a club or a studio to dance. If you would rather dance at home in your living room, there are plenty of options. Dancing and music are about personal taste and self-expression. As unique individuals, everyone does it differently. Start by choosing a song you like with a dance-able beat, then see how the music inspires you to move. You can try doing specific moves, and challenge your friends and family to see if they twist, mash-potato, or floss as well as you (We love this video where father and daughter show you the running man, old school vs. new school). If you still can’t decide what to do, here’s a couple of instruction videos that may help. For you line dancers, there’s the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, and Cha Cha Slide. For you country folks, here’s the Cowboy Hustle and Boot Scootin’ Boogie. Remember, it’s about moving to the beat (that thing you tap your toes to) and having fun. Just like all you self-conscious shower singers out there, dancing can also be done alone.
Don’t Stop with National Dance Week, Keep Grooving until National Dance Day
Westly’s Dance Challenge is focused around National Dance Week in April, and we had a blast! But did you know there is a National Dance Day? This year it’s September 19th and we’ll be dancing to the beat of our own drums – virtually! Stay tuned to the Healthy West Orange social media pages for some dancing fun.
Let’s Get Physical
While dancing is challenging and fun to do, there are health benefits too. Besides getting a cardiovascular workout (depending on the intensity and duration of the movement), dance also helps develop coordination, balance, and endurance. And if you’re trying to remember all of the steps, it may help with memory too. Dancing is a great way also to stay active and be social, and can be virtually done almost anywhere. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store or mall and hear your favorite song, it may be time to put on your dancing shoes and bust a move.
Health Benefits of Dance
While dancing is just plain fun to do, it is excellent for physical fitness, staying healthy, and remaining active. It’s exercise without even realizing it. So, no matter how old you are, if you think have no rhythm, or aren’t so coordinated, give dancing a shot for a way to get some exercise and remain healthy. Most of all HAVE FUN!!!
