Dancing is one of several universal forms of art around the world, and cultures past and present, primitive and advanced alike, feature dances that can be performed either alone or in groups. Some dances, in fact, are quite old and are often used (past and present alike) for ritual purposes, or for storytelling purposes. Native Americans and native African tribes and cultures often do this, although their forms of dance are usually unique to them. Meanwhile, many other forms of dance are more widespread and practiced around the world, far beyond the original culture or country that developed them. Salsa dance lessons, for example, may be found around the world, not just in its native Latin America. Salsa dance lessons can be great fun for anyone who takes them, and dance lessons may also teach the waltz, rumba, square dancing, Charleston, and more. Ballroom dance classes for adults are another fine choice, and those may be taken before attending a formal wedding. When is it time to take salsa dance lessons? And what are the health benefits of dancing?
Health and Dancing
Dancing of any style is a physical aerobic activity, and it can be a fine form of exercise for nearly any able-bodied person. In particular, the USDA’s guidelines have categorized dancing (as a whole) as a moderate activity, and after all, adults are recommended to get 30 minutes of vigorous activity per day. What is more, the New England Journal of Medicine studied some 11 different physical activities in a recent study, and among them, dancing in particular was tied to lower risks of dementia. And it goes beyond that. The human body is meant to move and get exercise, and it is a low-impact aerobic activity that may boost a person’s metabolism. In half an hour of dancing, a person may burn 200-400 calories, and exercise such as this can improve heart health and lower risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes. And best of all, dancing is often great fun, and it may not even feel like exercise at all. Being a regular dancer can have quite a few benefits.
Different Types of Dances
Why might someone take some dance lessons, and what sort of dances might they learn from local classes? Many different types of dances are partner-based or based on small groups, and only a limited variety of dances are meant to be done solo. Some dances require a great deal of skill to learn and perform correctly, and some dancers are professionals, such as ballet dancers. Usually women, ballet dancers are known for not only their distinctive costumes but their toe-based dancing set to music. Some ballet dancers are in fact men, who often act as support for the prominent female dancers. And the Spanish flamenco is performed by one woman and set to music, a classic tradition in Spain.
Solitary or professional dances are their own category, however, and more often, an everyday person taking dance classes will learn a fun, partner-based dance that is easier to learn. Salsa dance lessons are a fine example of this. First developed in Latin America, salsa dance incorporates elements from different, older dances into an eccentric but popular new style, and this dance style proves quite popular around the world. Many Americans, for example, can easily find salsa dance lessons and dance classes in their area that will at least involve salsa, if not specialize in it.
Other partner-based dances can be learned, too, such as the waltz. Sometimes considered the classical dance, waltz is famously set to a 3/4 time signature and has a particular pattern of steps for both partners, typically a man-woman pair. Someone taking dance classes may also learn square dancing (popular in the American South and Southwest), and they may learn the Charleston, too.
A person, or a group of them, might take dance classes if they are going to a wedding soon, and they want to impress others with their dance technique during the reception (typically featuring dancing and music). That, or high school students may have prom night coming up, and teenage boys and girls alike want to impress their partners and classmates there. Finally, salsa dance lessons and others make for a fine date activity for adolescents and adults alike.