hello all,
I'm new to dancing well kind of I stared to tap, ballet, and jazz dance in 3rd grade but quite 4 yrs later when I was told I was to over weight but now I am 15 I have stared to swing dance ( now about a year). It is the best thing I love it its fun and relaxing. Now I'm still somewhat over weight (not too much) When all of you talk about losing weight and stuff you all seem like you dance every day and train but for me I can't i have school and so much other things, I would love to dance every day but I don't have the money or the time but I hope soon I will. But for those of us who would like to lose a few lbs what is the best advise you would give? P.S. like i said im not a lot over weaight I am 5'3" and weigh 120. Thanks so much and KEEP ON DANCING!

Dear New dancer,
I think it is great that you have decided to dance and in due time your dancing will help you lose those unwanted pounds, but I also believe that you should be happy with the way that you are and don't stress. But here's a littl tip on losing weight, straight from when you wake up in the morning, do a little cardio i.e. star jumps, jog etc. because it will allow you to burn around twice the amount of calories in that day and will also give you an energy boost.

OK I hit the enter key so here is the rest of the message---NEVER EVER skip a meal. You can eat less, But you have to eat and eat right. Try to build mussle. Sit-ups are great for the mid section and lift a 5 lb weight. This will keep you tone. It takes 2 pound of fat to build 1 pound of mussle. Build 5 pounds of mussle all over your self you loose 10 pounds of fat. The trade is mussle looks and feels better. Just rember you are who you are and being healthy is number ONE!!!!!!!!! Not being a tooth pick!!!!

You are still young and you must keep your energy levels high! When you get up get moving, This will get energy up for the day! Eat all day, Take what you eat and divide it up over all day. NENER EVER

Hi,
Thanks so much for your tips. I will try them but also know that I would never in my life skip a meal. So no worries there. Thanks again for the tips
KEEP ON DANCING!

Eat smaller meals more often to speed up your metabolism- and just like they said, no skipping meals. Stay away from fats, sweets, refined sugars, sodas- go for complex carbs like oats and whole grains, lean protein, fruit, vegetables, water, real fruit juice. These things will give you lots of energy to exercise, like airman says. In addition to dancing, do extra exercise like yoga, swimming, pilates, running cycling, maybe light weight lifting- something to complement the dancing, burn fat, build muscle, and give you more strength. And of course, dance as much as possible!

Hello,
well now that we have solved the weight problem what about a partner? The only down side to being a young dancer in high school is that no boy wants do dance. so I dance as much as I can but I can't afford the accost of private lessons so again any advise would be very help full thanks so much and keep dancing!

Where do you live? Maybe you can find a part time job, or work at the studio, or something to pay for lessons to improve your dancing as much as possible in the meantime. Try contacting other coaches, studios, competition organizers, etc. Networking and getting your name out there is key. I'm in a similar situation, but I'm hoping that since I'll be in college next year some more doors will open. If you've just started, don't worry so much about a partner- keep looking, but work more on your own dancing. Try to find out about more group classes, workshops, and social dances in your area. And always stay positive!

I remember reading a while back in the US where this enterprising you person who was in the same situation you were,
approached his school and was give full use of a hall within the school and formed dance club. Which then took off like a rocket. Good luck

Well thats cool but I don't think that my school would do that because we don't have room or money. I go to the biggest school in the midwest. But I wish.I just found out that my dance teacher is starting competitive classes so I'm very excited also it is only for teens so I hope all goes well
Keep on dancing!