Did you ever see the movie The Mask? What about Swing Kids? These movies came out over the last few years and they’ve regenerated a 60 year old fad and made it young again. Swing dancing which was extremely popular in the 40s is back and it’s engaging generations across the spectrum to dance to music like that performed by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Recently, a commercial from the Gap, has continued the revival in interest for Swing Dancing. Dance schools and fitness clubs alike are getting in on the action. One dance school that a friend of mine knows of in Washington D.C. is filled to capacity within 20 minute of the doors opening. Some of the credit for the rise in swing dancing interest may be due to Dancin’ with the Stars and the faces of those dancing like George Hamilton, Kelly Monaco and more – but the truth is – swing dancing is a great aerobic workout that is a tremendous amount of fun.
Swingin’ to the Oldies
Remember when Richard Simmons was so popular for his Sweatin’ to the Oldies well – swing dancing is bridging that generational gap and you can find swing dancers in every age bracket from high school to the senior center. The great thing about swing dancing is you don’t have to be particularly fit when you get started, you head out and get dancing and let yourself have a great time.
Local fitness clubs in my area are starting to promote swing dancing classes as a way of testing the waters. Last summer, they offered Belly Dancing as a temporary toe into the shallow end and now they offer it on a regular basis. Ballroom dancing schools are already ahead of the curve and it looks like they are going to be adding more classes to their schedules.
Swing Burn
For those of you who are curious, swing dancing can burn about 500 calories an hour for men and women alike. It’s important for dancers to keep their swinging to an up beat that lets them hit 60% of their target heart rate and to maintain it. They should also allow themselves breaks to catch their breath and drink plenty of water. The idea is to target their fitness zone and have a great time, not become exhausted and fall over.
For you couples out there who are intrigued by the idea, having a date night of swing dancing can be a great way to target fitness, fun and togetherness in one fell swoop. Imagine an evening of swing dancing with your spouse – between the two of you – two hours of dancing can burn about 1,000 calories each.
Unless you plan on swing dancing two or three times a week, you will still need other exercise but adding swing dancing to your weekly regimen offers you a lot in the way of opportunities! Check it out in your area – what do you think of swing dancing as a way to go for exercise, calorie burn and fun?