Do you need yet another reason to begin ballroom dancing?  How about your physical health?  One hour of ballroom dancing can help the body burn between 200 and 500 calories, depending on the intensity.  In addition to weight loss, it is also known to improve posture, cardio-vascular endurance, balance, agility, circulation, and flexibility.  Dancing helps strengthen muscles and build bone mass (which can help prevent osteoporosis.)  Ballroom dance can truly be a total body workout or even an intense aerobic exercise when dancing quick steps for continuous segments of time.  On the other hand, it is also a low impact activity.  Therefore, ballroom dancing naturally benefits people of all ages and fitness levels. 

When we exercise, our body releases chemicals called endorphins.  These are “feel good chemicals” that improve our mood.  Stressful workdays can easily be balanced by a little time dancing.  Not only will you feel better, but you will also find yourself concentrating on the dance moves, the music, your partner…everything but your stressors.  As your skills increase, so will your self-esteem and confidence.  Let’s not also forget that dancing is just FUN!  One may be hard pressed to find another activity that combines the challenge of a new art form, moving to enjoyable music, and possibly even singing along and laughing as you do so!  Ballroom dance is often also referred to as “social dance” because it allows you to develop strong social ties and maybe even an improved romantic relationship with your partner or those in your class. These relationships also contribute to improved mood, confidence, and fun.  What do you have to lose!?