Is your family a dancing family? There are usually two schools of thought when it comes to dancing. You either think you have two left feet or you consider yourself a milder version of Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire, the legends of ballroom dancing. The truth is with a little bit of effort and some reliable guides most of us fall right in the middle—average dancers. That’s okay though. To reap the great health benefits of dancing you do not need to dance like a professional. Just get started and have some fun. However, you’re probably wondering how much is it going to cost to get started? Can you really get the entire family dancing? What are the health benefits of dancing?
A Cheap Way to Have Fun and Get Your Exercise Too!
You don’t need to shell out a lot of money. People have been dancing in their living rooms to the sounds of music for decades. To step it up a notch, let’s look at some of your other options:
- Local Library—neighborhood libraries usually carry an assortment of DVD’s. They may have some dance or dance/exercise DVD’s or older videos that are easy to do as a family and packed with fun. As long you remember to return the items to the library, it will cost you nothing.
- Online Internet Ordering—there are a multitude of videos and DVD’s that can be ordered at a very low price. You may want to buy more than one, in case you and your family quickly master the steps.
- Local Colleges –if you are fortunate enough to live near a college, many offer dance or dance/exercise classes. The costs are minimal.
- Television Programming—although it may sound surprising, many local stations broadcast dance or dance/exercise shows throughout the day. Check your local programming. You can pre-record the program if you are not going to be home.
- Dance Studios—most cities have professional dance studios. Many offer classes separately for children and adults. However, if you find a studio that has one for the entire family together, you’ve got a winner. Usually, these studios will require you to dip a little deeper into your budget.
Your Dancing Family Should Include the Youngest to the Oldest
If you have a wide range of ages in the home, keep it simple. Clear an area of your house for music and dance time. Put your visual and/or audio aid on and get started. It doesn’t matter how well anyone dances. Whether it’s the Electric Slide you’re learning or an old polka, everybody should get moving. Dance long enough to work up a sweat; but not too long to lose everyone’s enthusiasm. There are also dancing DVD’s just for kids under 5 years old to keep their age entertained.
You do not need to limit your time to strictly dancing. Many of the DVD’s and videos today are a mixture of exercises and dance movements (not necessarily steps). These are my favorites. They are easy for everyone and lots of fun.
Big Feet and Little Feet Will All Benefit
Whether you are dancing for exercise, fun, or just to learn new steps, the payoff is worth it. Here are some great benefits coming your way:
- Burns Calories
- Helps Depression
- Helps Reduce Stress and Tension
- Gives You Greater Confidence
- Cherished Memories (especially if the entire family is involved)
- Make New Friends (for those taking classes)
- Laughter Increases (trust me on this one)
- Helps Postpartum Blues
Many families spend hours in sedentary positions, whether at school or at work. Dancing will get everybody’s blood moving. Zumba , one of the newest Latin dance/exercises around, can burn up to 800 calories in one hour. If you’re looking for something less vigorous, there is jazzercise, ballroom dancing, square dancing, line-dancing, country-style dancing, and many more. The important thing to remember is to find a dance style that works with your family’s schedule, personality, and budget. Now—get movin’ and groovin’ and be the coolest dancing family in your neighborhood!
