Ballroom dancing was known as social dancing for many years. It was led to believe that only the wealthy and upper class would be taught for their large social galas and the intermingling with other upper class families. This was a way young men would sweep young women off their feet by waltzing them around the ballroom; similar to the princess was danced around in “Beauty and the Beast.” The fantasy of two people dancing simultaneously, in sync with each other has gained popularity in all social classes; especially for the engaged couple before their wedding.
There are franchised ballroom dance schools which have there own style of the classic teachings of this art form, for example Arthur Murray. Many of the teachers are trained just in this style, which is easier to teach a person who has never attempted dancing before. Many people may start at a franchise dance school and eventually will venture out to a more advanced school if they desire.
With the film and television industries producing ballroom dance related materials, the sport has become popular once again. Class enrollments seem to increase after one of these productions are seen due to the visual picture of a man and a woman in gorgeous costumes, showing no flaws, circle around the floor together with smiles. Ballroom dance is very fun to try with or without a partner.
Just because the popularity in the media may die down, this sport has numerous competitions all throughout the year and many competitive dancers. When looking into beginning ballroom dance lessons ask people who have taken lessons and ask for what purpose. The best way to find a teacher or a school is by getting a real person’s opinion.
There are many different styles of teaching ballroom and there are teachers who will strictly only work with dancers who are serious about their fitness level or plan to eventually compete.
Ballroom dance has mental and physical benefits. Learning the steps, counts, and posture all takes listening and coordination skills; many beginners will have a notebook and write down all of their basic steps. Any dance teacher will expect their student to practice at home, as this is the only way to improve their skills. Once the teacher feels the student is ready, they will then add more difficult steps or choreograph a routine to practice. Just like a student in school, the same discipline is required during the one hour dance session, minus sitting in the hard desk.
The physical benefits are more toned legs, arms, abs, butt, and a larger cardiovascular
capacity. The back and neck will become strong as well due to the posture which needs to be followed with many of the dance moves being done with slightly bent knees. To give the image of floating around the ballroom, every movement is controlled from how the foot is placed to the angle of the dancer’s body.
If you have ever imagined wearing a beautiful satin gown, being danced around, ballroom dance can make your dreams a reality and give you a killer body!