Dancing to Your Age and Fitness Level

Dance is something which can be, and indeed is, enjoyed by people of wide age ranges and differing physical abilities. However, like all forms of exercise, it is important for each participant to know their limitations and make sure they dance to their age and fitness level. But from young children bouncing their head along to music, to older people waltzing to songs which remind them of their own youth, everyone loves to dance and everyone can enjoy dance.

Dancing to Keep Fit

What many people forget is that dancing can be as physically demanding as any sport and dancers at the top of their game have to be in peak physical condition, just as a rower, footballer or runner would be. So this means that if you want to keep fit, dancing is a great way to do it and have fun at the same time. But, as with any sport, if you are not physically fit to begin with, then you must build up slowly and not overdo it, otherwise you may hurt yourself which could discourage you from trying again when you have recovered. But when you have started to build up your fitness, you will find that dancing is an excellent way to keep fit, and you will have plenty of fun at the same time.

Dancing for the Very Young

Most children love to dance as they love to be able to move to music. And there is usually no reason to regiment this love by formal dance classes until they show an interest of their own accord as they get older. However, dance classes for parents and baby can be a fun activity to do with your child. Many places now run them, usually alongside similar classes such as singing with your baby and they offer the chance to have fun moving to music while meeting like-minded people. One company even offers nightclubs for parents - nightclubs are opened during the day and music put on at a low volume so parents can go along and take their babies with them but still enjoy the music and social aspects of a nightclub - albeit in the day.

Dancing for the Less Able

Just because you are not physically up to dancing in competitions or classes does not mean that you cannot enjoy dance. Whether you are injured, infirm or elderly, there will be a dance activity for you. It is wise to look for the more gentle dance activities, but there are plenty of these available. One such activity which has had a resurgence in popularity recently is the tea dance. Typically held in an afternoon at a community centre or similar venue, they play music to dance to, usually ballroom style, and are open to anyone, regardless of ability. They offer the opportunity to have a dance to relaxing music in a friendly environment. Slightly more energetic are the salsa classes that many places offer now. But beginners' classes will not be too taxing and the instructor will always be willing to let you repeat things if you find it is too fast for you.

The types of dances and ways to learn or participate in them are too numerous to list. But the good news is that there really is something for everyone. The important thing to remember is that you must always bear in mind age and fitness level. Dancing may be fun but it is no fun to get injured and less fun to feel completely worn out every time you do it - as that will not encourage you to carry on. Having fun and testing yourself, on the other hand, will do.