I know of several heavier dancers who are far better than many leaner dancers (think Buddy Schwimmer, but also some amateurs I have known). Don't be surprised, though, if it inspires you to lose weight, or if you lose weight as a happy side effect. On the whole, I think you might be surprised at how accepting the dance community is. Anyone would rather dance with a GOOD dancer, regardless of size!

As a relatively new member to this message board, I am so pleased to read all the positive responses to this woman's message. Everyone should be commended. I am a plus size/curvy lady and I can tell you that I have lost many inches on my hips and thighs from dancing. I have not lost mega-pounds, but people stop me almost every day to tell me how good I look and they know its from a lot of dancing. I think the hardest step in dancing in stepping into your very first group lesson or private lesson. Everyone has to start somewhere and if you have a husband who is willing and eager to dance with you, you have won half the battle! I think you will begin to see a difference in your figure once you start dancing on a regular basis. Enjoy!

One of the benefits we have found since we started ballroom dancing, is the other dancers. We have met really nice people, young and old. I really enjoy seeing how the unattached guys, dance with all the ladies. Attitude is a bigger factor, than appearence for most guys.

Heavens to betsy, no. Whether you are suited for dancing or not will come from you and your love of the dance!

I began learning to dance at nearly 300 pounds. Sure, I didn't get a lot of offers to dance at first, but I danced with a good friend I was learning with. As men paired with me at lessons/classes, they found I was a good follower and always carried all my own weight. Soon, I was getting asked to dance by men other than my friend.

Enjoy this great activity. Enjoy the partnership with your husband. If you are having fun, you are suited for it, and it for you! Best wishes.

The thing is being healthy for your height just makes things easier. Mind you that anyone who ever did anything worth doing didn't have get it easily.

dance is also a great way to loose weight! I mean exercise + fun?!? what's better?

But please don't quit ballroom if you like it because your weight won't stop you if you don't let it. Practice trumps all things.

And if you really just don't like the pressure of being in a group, get a private coach. Mine runs around 30 dollars per lesson for the both of us (and we meet every Saturday but you can cancel lessons if you need to.) And take it from me you learn a LOT, fast! and you can go at your pace, fast or slow.

IN SHORT: Size is just bump in the road, not the great wall of china, personal coaches are effective and eficent.

I'm a short fat women and what I found with ballroom is that because I LOVE it, I forget how hard I am working and put more time and sweat into it than I would other activities. Result is improved muscle tone and improved aerobic conditioning.

I recommend you stick to the Smooth or Standard dances. Due to weight issues, I now have a damaged knee because I was having too much fun with the Latin dances and damaged myself. I plan to try them again when the weight is gone.

Meanwhile, Dance has motivated me to stay away from foods I used to be addicted to eating--this has helped my body--I am healthier and lighter--even though still in need a major weight loss.

Dance has motivated me in the gym too, to work out more diligently. Dance has motivated me to spend time in the pool, working out in laps.

I do all of it because I LOVE to dance and want to dance well.

Ballroom has been a really GOOD thing for me.

MrsD, there are two things about yourself that you did not mention: your age and your accustomed level of activity.

If you are not used to strenuous activity then I urge you to consult your physician before you begin to take up dancing in earnest, especially if you're older.

Please pay particular attention to kaiara's response. Being heavy does put a great deal of stress on the knees.

Dancing by itself will not contribute to weight loss unless you'e putting in two full hours a day for at least three or four days a week.

On the other hand, dancing is a wonderful motivator to control your diet and add other exercises to your regimen. Catching a glimpse of my gut in the mirror while doing an oversway was all of the inspiration I needed to eat a better diet.

The action that you will find difficult to do is counter-body movement (your teacher will explain it).

Whatever you do, don't give up. Ballroom dancing is the greatest activity for several reasons and you'll benefit from it in more ways than the physical.

Good luck.

jj

Eighteen comments so far on this one. Nothing has been said about learning to use the feet to become a not heavy dancer. Don't when stepping forwards step from a flat supporting foot. It is possible that as a heavy person your normal walk may be this way. There are some lightly built people also who walk this way and can be considered heavy because of this fault.There are some heavy people both man and lady who are very light on there feet, this is how they walk normaly.
I would if I were a bit over weight make sure when walking forward that as the heel of passing foot reaches the toe of the standing foot the heel of the standing foot leaves the floor.
Some of you who are built like a twig might also check this out lest it be said it is like dancing with a brick wall. Man or lady. Going backwards there is a different technique which requires the use of the knees ankles and feet. Very important but often neglected. All of this can be practised going up and down the floor on your own untill if it has been done incorrect it is corrected and becomes second nature, or if you like muscle memory. It is a must that it be done to Foxtrot music using all slows on each heel lead when going forwards counting Slow and ( two beats ).

Serendipidy, why don't we let her teacher take care of her footwork?

jj

jofionesboro. If the lady has been instructed on the correct action. Then there is no need to worry, just constantly remind. But if they haven't been told then its a fair bet the teacher hasn't got a clue. Could you tell me exactly what is required on a forward walk with a heel lead. Then of course we have going backwards. According to the technique book on each of the above there is a specific action to walking forward and walking backward. What is it.