I feel like dancing! Five types of dancing every over 50 should try
Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s or 70s, exercise is imperative. If you want to keep your joints healthy, the pain at bay and your fitness up you need to start moving. But, there are some exercises that have more benefits than improving your physical health… Like dancing!
Dancing classes are incredibly good for you health, your happiness and your friendships. Swedish scientists found that dancing can significantly improve your cardiovascular health and that it has positive effects on mood including reducing anxiety, decreasing risk of depression and increasing positivity.
So, have you given dancing a go? Don’t worry if you haven’t, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Luckily, there are so many different types of dancing available to over 50s that will have you feeling healthier, being happier and making new friends in no time.
The following five types of dancing are types that every over 50 should try. They are all a little different, but if you’re not accustomed to getting your groove on, then do a little testing before you settle down into one style.
Ballet
Ballet is a gentle but beneficial type of dancing. By isolating muscle groups, it works to improve strength and flexibility. Classical or contemporary ballet are generally practiced to classical music, so if you enjoy the music, there is a good chance you will enjoy the dancing. Most dance schools offer beginner level ballet classes, taught by a professional instructor for a small fee.
Jazz
Jazz dancing encompasses a broad range of dance styles. Jazz is all about feeling a rhythm and is often practiced to modern, pop music. It is upbeat, uses the entire body, has both basic and complex moves and is great for cardiovascular health. Most dance schools have classes for “absolute beginners” so if you’re less confident in your ability, you can give the basic steps a go.
Latin
Latin dancing is a somewhat intimate style performed with a partner. It comes from Latin America and incorporates whole body movement using a combination of isolated and synchronised moves. The style of music varies but it is great for a fun and enjoyable type of exercise. There are studios all over the UK that offer free introductory classes.
Ballroom
Ballroom dancing is a type of partner dancing traditionally done with many couples performing at once. It encompasses traditional dances such as the Foxtrot, Cha-Cha and Waltz. It is wonderful for coordination and balance. There are many places that offer ballroom dancing across the UK and it is a style of dancing often enjoyed by over 50s, meaning you can find likeminded friends.
Zumba
Zumba dancing is a fusion of aerobics and dance. Performed to upbeat music in large classes, it is designed to be a whole body workout using dance-based movements to focus on different muscle groups and give you an intense cardio workout. Zumba classes are everywhere and to find a certified class, head to Zumba websites.
All of these dance styles are so much fun with so many benefits to your physical, mental and emotional health. Try each one at least once to find your style and get in to your own groove.
Ballet dancing is not just for the young, as these over 50s prove
A new class for the over-50s has set out to improve fitness, combat illnesses and form friendships, all through the power of ballet.
Silver Years Ballet had its first ever weekly session at Lopping Hall in Loughton. The class, which has a suggested age range of between 50 and 90-years-old, teaches ballet moves for beginners.
Director Carrie Johnson said: “We adapt it slightly so there is no high impact. “It is gentle exercise – all about posture, standing up straight, keeping shoulders in the same position.” Ms Johnson said the classes, which run at nine other venues in Essex and Hertfordshire, can have a range of benefits other than just improved fitness. She claimed some reports showed the regular activity and use of co-ordination could help ward off dementia. The classes are also a social event, she said, with the chance to chat after dance sessions.
“It gets people that maybe don’t get out normally, it is an exercise class that is not intimidating,” she said. “We have a cup of coffee afterwards and they get to know each other, I think that is really important. “It is really a community thing, we have had people come along who have recently been widowed. “They said they enjoyed coming because each week they had something to look forward to. “They are all in similar circumstances and they are coming together as a group up at the same level, it is really nice.”
For more information about the class, which costs £6 a session, phone Carrie Johnson on 07505 708 528.
(Article source: Various)
