Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. You see, I am in my 30's. I have been doing a lot of social dancing thru out the years, and am pretty good. Well now I wanted to get into performing, but I feel I am a little out of shape. I don't have the dynamic/explosive/sharp movements like these younger kids have. Plus I want to be able to dance well for a few more years. Anyone have any advice what I should try. I was thinking stuff like lifting weights, yoga, pilates, etc....... Maybe someone could give me an idear of a good dancer work out routine. Thank you.

Hi
For general aerobic fitness you can't beat running. Some advanced aerobic classes in a gym would get you in good all-round shape too.
But sharp, snappy movements aren't all about strength. Timing and precise control are also important, if not more so.And each sport has its own specific fitnesses which can only be acquired by perticipation in that sport.
Speaking as a (very) mature dancer i would suggest
1)As you progress up through the grades, you will develop the necessary techniques, control and strength provided you work to get really good basics (and competitive dancing is different from social dancing in many ways)
2)Don't try to emulate the 18-year-olds too much - bring something of your own character and, dare i say it, maturity, into your dancing.
3)Enjoy it and don't blame us when you get hooked!!

I agree a 100 % with the the other reply you received . I am 52 and started dancing 3 years ago . I am at the silver level in all of the latin int'l and some of the mordern .

I lift wieghts 3 times a week to get the upper body strength for the control of my frame .I also run two to three days a week 3 miles when I am not dancing that day . The 3 miles is about a 30 to 40 min, dance . Benifiting my dancing by not getting out of breath I have learned that the correct frame and step give you that quickness you are referencing
I would get a work out schedule as both of us have indicated and secondly I recomend you take lessons freom the owner and teacher Joan @ Star Ballroom 626 282 6566. She won her first gold at the age of 5 .I have been taking lessons with her for 2 years I am at my silver level in Latin and bronze in my mordern . Good luck !