Burning Calories with Dancing

So apparently I am behind on the times. I recently blogged about how Zumba (the latest dance fitness craze) is finally coming to the video game world. In February, 2012, “Zumba Fitness Rush” is coming to Xbox 360. However, I should have done my homework. Apparently Zumba has already hit the video game world. In fact, I was complaining that nothing was available for my particular video game system, Nintendo Wii. But apparently last year “Zumba Fitness” had already been available for not only the Wii but Xbox 360 and PS3. Well I might be a bit behind on the … Continue reading →

Thoughts on Zumba

What is Zumba? Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout. It has grown in popular over the past several years, through classes offered by zumba certified instructors and then DVDs. I first heard about zumba through a friend who liked to do zumba DVDs at home. My thoughts on zumba So first off I want to say that dancing is a great cardio activity. When you are dancing to music and have a good time, you might not even remember you are burning calories! However for me I have mixed opinions about zumba. Doing zumba in my opinion boils down to … Continue reading →

Doing the Jitterbug

This is not actually about doing the Jitterbug because I am not even sure how to do it. This concerns dancing, any kind of dancing just as long as you keep on moving to the music. You actually do not even need to have music if you have a good imagination. You can just hum along or remember the tune, as it plays in your head. Dancing is a great way to get in shape and stay in shape. It is easy. It requires no equipment. It burns calories. It burns about 340 calories in an hour. Granted, you might … Continue reading →

Controversial School Fitness Option—Pole Dancing, Anyone?

I realize that many college co-eds resort to uh, shall we say, creative means to pay for their educations, but I must admit I was a bit stunned when I heard that a European high school was actually making it easier for students to learn the ropes of pole dancing, in case they needed to put their skills to use in the future. Am I the only one who equates pole dancing with strip clubs? Apparently administrators at South Devon College in the United Kingdom don’t see the relation. In their eyes pole dancing is merely a source of fitness. … Continue reading →

So You Think You Can Dance – Bollywood

Last night’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ featured a closing number that had me back in my office and looking up the dance style called ‘bollywood.’ If you didn’t see the performance (shame on you – just kidding), but you can see it here on You Tube. Evolution of Bollywood If you haven’t heard of ‘Bollywood’ before it’s a coined term that refers to the Indian film industry. The industry is booming and produces more than 900 films per year. Bollywood dance comes from the song and dance sequences in many of the Bollywood films. Think back to the … Continue reading →

SYTYCD – Las Vegas “Don’t Give Up”

The summer’s phenomenal dance show made it back to Las Vegas last night and covered a week’s worth of grueling auditions to trim 200 dancers to 20. The experience was mentally, physically and emotionally daunting for the contestants. To those who’ve always thought it would be easy to get that far in the dance world, take note – even those who made the cut were worn out and looking forward to the month long break before the contest starts. Luckily for viewers, the month long break started a month ago, so we will be seeing the Top 20 perform next … Continue reading →

Dance Fitness – Wanna Dance?

So You Think You Can Dance is back on television and like last year, my daughter and I are totally hooked. This Thursday they will launch the actual contest. Whenever I watch the show, I’m reminded of just how physical is dancing (not that I needed the reminder), but with the show back on, it’s a good time to remind others as well. If you’re interested in switching up your fitness routine this summer, consider dancing as a way to invigorate your workout while also toning your body, burning extra calories and just overall feeling great. Think dancing can’t burn … Continue reading →

So You Think You Can Dance – I’m Hooked

It took the show’s third season to do it, but I’m officially hooked on So You Think You Can Dance. I sat glued to the screen on Wednesday evening, watching the dancers and their dances and feeling really impressed. For those of you who haven’t watched the show before, the premise is simple, but elegant. Dancers from around the country compete to be in the top 20 dancers. If they make it to the top 20, there are 10 girls and 10 guys. The dancers are partnered up and then they draw a dance style from a hat. They then … Continue reading →

Valentine Fitness Tip: Ballroom Dancing

Looking for something fun and fit to do this Valentine’s Day? Consider recommitting to your relationship with your spouse or significant other in a way that improves your health, your fitness and your intimacy with each other. Ballroom dancing already benefits from the popularity of shows like Dancing with the Stars, but it’s also a way to improve your relationship with your love. Aerobic Workout Make no mistake, ballroom dancing is a great way to get your aerobic workout for both of you. Have you ever seen dancers make the kind of moves you can when you are ballroom dancing … Continue reading →

Hoop Dancing – It’s Not Just for Kids Anymore

Do you hula hoop? When my daughter got a hula hoop a year ago, she asked me to help her learn how to hula hoop and you know what? It’s not quite like riding a bike – it was hard to learn how to do it years ago and it was harder now when I thought I knew what I was doing. Hula hoops are making a resounding come back in the fitness world and it’s a trend called hoop dancing. The hula hoop is involved, but it’s not the hula you recall instead it’s a series of aerobic classes … Continue reading →