Dance For Your Life - a Fun Way to Stay Fit
Disclaimer: I am not a health care professional. Please seek the advice of your doctor before you change your diet, exercise program, or make any other lifestyle changes.
How about a fun, aerobic workout? Dance to Stay Physically Fit
Not only is dancing fun and exciting, it is healthy. You can burn 100 to 400 calories per hour of dancing, depending on what type of dance you are doing and how much you weigh.
The two most important things about this movement is getting your heart rate up and having fun. By elevating your heart rate, you are exercising the most important muscle in your body; your heart, of course.
In my opinion, this is probably the most effective way to exercise. I come from a long line of dancers in my ancestry ranging from the Performing Arts to Party Time. Music and dancing are in my blood, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.
When I hear people say they don't know how to dance, it makes me laugh. If you can walk, you can dance. If you can sway, you can dance. Nobody cares if you have rhythm or not. Feel the music, enjoy yourself and work out that heart muscle. If you are extremely self conscious, then dance at home.
Most communities have dance lessons of all types if you are so inclined to dance in public. Check your local newspaper for classes. You may also try the yellow pages. If you choose to use your computer for seeking information, of course that would be a wonderful source as well.
Ellen Belly Dances
Dance History
It shouldn't be a surprise that one of the most effective ways to get an aerobic workout is to dance. Dancing is an Art that dates back to Biblical times, and to this day, is a common pastime enjoyed by millions of people.
Harems would dance for their Sheiks.
In Medieval times, couples would dance in groups with simultaneous moves.
The Chinese use props included in their dancing paying homage to their traditions
Native Americans consider dance as a gift to God(s) and Mother Earth.
African Tribes hold their drumming and dancing sacred to this day.
In the Victorian era, Square dancing was quite popular. All of the Aristocrats were taught these beautiful dances.
The Celts in Ireland have been doing an Irish jig for centuries.
Of course modern day offers a wide variety of dances. Take a walk down Broadway in New York City and you will have your choice of musicals.
Dance has even been incorporated into American professional sports.
Dancing Marines
There are hundreds of types of dance. In the American and European Performing Arts, you are able to learn the following genres:
* Aerobatic
* Ballet
* Hip Hop
* Jazz
* Lyrical
* Modern
* Pointe
* Tap
Other types of dance that have lessons available are:
* Ballroom Dancing
(Tango)
(Meringue)
(Fox Trot)
(Waltz)
* Belly Dancing
* Break Dancing
* Country Line Dancing
* Disco Dancing
* Flamenco Dancing
* Irish Clog Dancing
* Salsa Dancing
* Square Dancing
If you love music and want an easy way to stay healthy, by all means, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE! It tones the muscles, gives a nice cardio workout for the heart, causes the brain to release endorphins, strengthens the bones, and is responsible for a huge smile on your face!
"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen
God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan
A special THANKS to our troops. This dance is for YOU!
