Let’s dance! It’ll do our hearts good

“Pick the beat up, and kick your feet up … Dance with me” – Orleans, 1973

There she goes, writing about dancing again! I know, Dear Readers, but please bear with me and read on!

For those of you who say things like this: “I am not coordinated enough” or “there are too many steps to learn” or “I don’t have a dance partner” or even “what if someone sees me?” I have an answer for all of these and more!

In the past I have written about the health aspects of dancing for coordination, flexibility, and even strengthening. Dancing can increase muscle strength, improve balance and coordination, give you stronger bones, lower the risk of dementia, improve memory, reduce stress, and give you more energy. Dancing engages your core – abs, hips, glutes – and powers your body.¹ The physical rewards are many, and your brain will thank you for the stimulation.

I was inspired this month to write about dancing for a couple of reasons. As February is “heart health awareness” month, one way we care for our hearts is through increased physical activity as well as lowering our stress and anxiety. I was also asked by one of my FlexAbility class members if I knew of any classes or opportunities for someone whose partner just isn’t interested in dancing. And there are many opportunities, just get out on the dance floor! (And in case you are wondering you absolutely do not need to be a Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley, Ginger Rogers, or Cyd Charisse to dance; and if you do not know who those people were, be sure to look them up and be entertained!)

Bruce and Sharon dancing to the beat! (Photo provided)

My early exposure to dancing was about 1957 at the tender age of seven when I discovered American Bandstand and made sure I tuned in every day after school to watch the Philly teenagers dance. I also enjoyed watching my parents dance – at least until the age of about 13 or so because after all what adolescent wants to see their parents do much of anything! The primary incentive, up close and personal, was watching the kids at NHS come down to the canteen, turn on the jukebox and dance while I awaited my baton twirling teacher Karen to arrive in the canteen to take me to the NHS gym for our lesson. Knowing my interest, my parents taught me some basic swing steps and I never looked back.

So, moving on to discuss the many forms of dancing available – the list is nearly endless! My husband Bruce and I like to ballroom swing dance (East Coast but sometimes West Coast as well) primarily but also enjoy cha-cha and waltz. Partner dancing is fun and a great way to stay coordinated together. The Two-Step is a fun one to try with your partner and really keeps you moving around the floor. If you do not have a dance partner, you can also sign up for a dance class with an instructor who can pair you with another single dancer. If you have a partner who wishes to dance more casually, just get out on the dance floor and move – it all works!

Thinking back to the NHS “sock hops” of the 60s – the Twist, Swim, Mashed Potato, and Jerk – we just made sure we moved to the beat. And NO, you are never too old!

If you are looking for opportunities for classes that allow you to dance without a designated partner, here are some suggestions: Belly dance, Hula, Tap, Ballet, Flamenco, Irish Step, Clogging, Folk, Contra, Country Line dance. You can search through YouTube to learn more about these dances and look on your social media to find out about any classes in the area. I especially have enjoyed my Tap, Ballet, and Clogging classes over the years and I am looking forward to a belly dance and step dance class next. (Stay tuned!)

And, really, how about just doing some “house dancing” where you turn on the music – whatever your taste – and move! Just today as I was organizing my home office, I found myself dancing to Fleetwood Mac and ABBA. Calories burned, energy increased, endorphins kicked in.

Remember, it is difficult to wear a frown when dancing! There is no age limit, no weight limit, and no reason to not give dancing a try. If you are limited in your mobility, do not let that hinder you in listening to energizing or inspiring music and feeling the beat as you can actually increase your heart rate and your flexibility with even small movements.

Make your heart your Valentine and let’s dance!

¹ medlineplus.gov

Sharon McMahon, CNWC

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.