There are many forms of dance, from ballroom to barn dancing and disco to Morris dancing.

Dance has always

been a part of human culture, rituals and celebrations. Today, most dancing is about recreation and self-
expression, although it can also be done as a competitive activity. Dancing is an enjoyable way to be more
physically active and stay fit.

Health benefits of dancing

Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and
mental benefits including:
improved condition of your heart and lungs
increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
increased aerobic fitness
improved muscle tone and strength
weight management
stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
better coordination, agility and flexibility
improved balance and spatial awareness
increased physical confidence
improved mental functioning
improved general and psychological wellbeing
greater self-confidence and self-esteem
better social skills.

Burn Fat / Lose Weight / Increase Metabolism. Ballroom dancing is a low-impact aerobic activity that burns fat
and can boost your metabolism. In just thirty minutes of dance, you can burn between 200-400 calories –
that’s roughly the same amount as running or cycling! Burning an extra 300 calories a day can help you lose
between ½-1 pound a week (and THAT can add up quickly). In fact, a study in the Journal of Physiological
Anthropology found that dance as exercise is just as effective for weight loss as cycling and jogging. Dance
training is also an excellent form of maintenance exercise, to stay healthy and toned once you’ve reached your
goal weight. And since ballroom dance is so much fun, you’re getting these benefits without feeling like you’re
working out!
Increase Flexibility. A reputable ballroom dance class will typically begin with a few stretching exercises, to get
you prepped to execute dance steps with comfort & ease, and to protect against dance-related injury.
Beginner dancers especially will notice that the more you dance, the more flexibility and range of motion your
body develops. Increased flexibility will help your dance abilities, decrease joint pain and muscle soreness
after exercise, and improve core strength and balance. Yoga and ballet stretches can be extremely beneficial as
pre-ballroom dance warm-ups, but be sure to talk with your Fred Astaire Dance Studios instructor about a
recommended warm-up regimen.
Increase Muscle Strength & Endurance. Ballroom dancing contributes to the build-up of muscle strength
because the act of dancing forces a dancer’s muscles to resist against their own body weight. The use of quick
steps, lifts, twists and turns, will help you develop more muscle strength in your arms, legs and core as your
lessons continue. Endurance (in this context) is the capability of your muscles to work harder and longer
without succumbing to fatigue. Ballroom dancing as exercise is particularly effective at building up your
endurance – so as you work on your dance steps, you are conditioning your muscles to perform these feats
with less and less fatigue. And the added benefit is that you’ll look and feel strong, toned and sexy
Great for All Ages. Ballroom dance is a fun activity for everyone – from children to senior citizens, which is
another reason it’s such an effective form of exercise. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we work with students of
all age groups, physical abilities and skill levels – and will create a custom dance program that’s comfortable
yet challenging, and will help you attain your dance AND exercise goals.