dancer is seeing that youthful, soul-reconfiguring enthusiasm that completely changes one's outlook on life.

One of the greatest pleasures of dancing is that this ecstacy be seen in faces of any age.

Welcome to the ballroom world. Please don't be afraid to return to this forum with your questions. There are a lot of smart ladies around.

Just be aware that there are a few dumbasses around, too.



jj

Alexis-

It sounds like your enthusiasm will have you improving and excelling rather quickly. I got started in dancing at a young age in the early 1960s, mostly from the big parties on my mother's side of the family -- big gatherings of Italian folks. If you did not idolize boxers and know how to dance, you were somewhat odd in the eyes of these fun-loving people. So I learned early and kept with it pretty hard through the disco 1970s and 1980s and then was off it a bit after getting married and raising a fine young man. Now, my wife and I are back in it, the past four years or so doing advanced ballroom, and we've danced in a couple of shows at one of the major theaters in our city. So, it's been an enjoyable skill to possess, and I consider dancing like any other of several sports I have participated in over the years. You have to practice to get better.
Enjoy yourself ... it's an ongoing joy ride!

Greatings and good dancing to all.

After spending 15 years paying for my two daugthers dance lessons, I decided to try it for myself and I love it. Unfortuately, my soon to be ex does not..her loss.

I think I was instilled with the dance bug many years ago by my late grandfather, though maybe it laid dormant. I had known he danced but really paid little attention to it,
that was until I watched 'Shall We Dance?' a couple of years ago. I've always loved music with a beat, but the only musical instrument I could play was the radio. Dancing never really occured to me as a kid.

But since I started at the local YMCA about 2 months ago, I've dabbled in a least 8 different styles. I don't even sleep well sunday nights as I look forward the monday lesson.

Henry

Hello!
Dancing can definitely be addicting. As for why...I think it is complex. Like any exercise, running for example, I believe the body responds in a positive way and you feel better. So from a purely exercise perspective, you just feel better physically.

There is something about ballroom that is special however, more than just your body saying "I feel good"! I think the partnership aspect is also addicting. Being connected to someone in the moment is very powerful.

In addition, there is the music...music is also mysterious but powerful.

And finally, I think ballroom dancing is something that truly gives you the experience of living in the moment. You aren't thinking about your job, your worries, etc. You are enjoying something at that moment in time and the combination of moving, music, connection, etc somehow produces something "magical".

I've actually tried to figure out why it's addicting (I'm addicted too!). When I try to anaylze it, that is what I come up with. I've stopped thinking about why I'm addicted and worrying that it's unhealthy as I think it is very healthy provided that YOU control your dancing...not a studio taking advantage of you, and provided it brings you joy.

Dancing has brought me better health and gotten me through some tough times. Alexis, to answer your question...I started in "middle age" as a complete beginner 5 years ago, currently compete in silver level and have placed first in several competitions. That reminds me of one other benefit...you can dance at any age!

Happy dancing to all!

you know what? you really give me the desire to begin!

Carole

Hi Alexis,

My husband and I started to take social dance lessons a few years ago, but I really fell in love with ballroom about two years ago when I had the opportunity to attend the studio's showcase. Everyone was having such a joyous time, I just had to join them. I decided to compete, and it is one of the most challenging things I have ever done. My instructor is an absolute stickler for correct technique, so I was a bronze level dancer for a long time. We have competed a few times, and the results have always been good because he never tried to push me beyond my capability, yet he encouraged me to put everything I had into each performance.

In the process, I have gained a ton of poise and self-confidence, have lost over twenty pounds, and look better in middle age than I ever did when I was younger. You are right when you describe this as a commitment or a marathon rather than a sprint. I've found that just when I think I'm getting the hang of it, he'll teach me new technique and I realize I'm just scratching the surface! But what a lot of fun it is!

Practice a lot on your own to build your technique. I promise it will pay off and help you progress faster. Good luck!

Hello Alexis,
I have gone Bonkers for Ballroom. My husband started because he wanted to help me stay active & limber after my many spine surgeries, When Emmitt Smith won DWTS, my husband said "Oh, I could do that, it is not that hard!" The next morning,I found a studio, and said "Prove it!" The first night, was East Coast Swing, he was better than I was. I cried for an hour, and then thought, "H___,NO! He is NOT going to be better than I am!! November 25, will be 2 years. We still dance everyday, even if it is just 10 mins. I carry a 350GB in my purse, that has $7K in Dancevision videos just so I can plug in anywhere. I am always looking to swapping & buying videos! Remodeled a room , into a practice Ballroom - It is so much fun I love learning new things! Thanks for asking, ScottyBoysDoll