Look at how much fun these swing dancers are having in this event held last year at the Bangkok Railway Station in Thailand. — AFP
I have two left feet!
Is this something you’ve been saying whenever someone asks you out for a dance or to join them in a formal dance class?
It’s likely that you are self-conscious and understandably, dislike looking foolish.
But really, no one has time to look at your mistakes because they’re too busy working out the steps themselves.
Observe how toddlers and children react whenever an energetic song comes on – either they move their body parts to show enjoyment, sway or bounce to the beat i.e. the repeating pulses that underlie the musical pattern.
Some will dance in sync with the beat, whereas others bop around with no reference to the rhythm.
The ability to conceptualise a beat and merge it with our movements is believed to be coordinated by a network of brain areas including the auditory cortex.
For whatever reason, by the time we reach our teens or adulthood, we develop inhibitions and are unwilling to move to music, especially in public.
A lack of rhythm is by far the biggest obstacle to learning to dance, but it’s not insurmountable.
While some people may have a natural affinity for rhythm, it is largely a skill that can be cultivated through practice and experience.
Many musicians and dancers develop their rhythmic abilities over time, regardless of their initial innate talent.
So yes, rhythm can be learned but if you already have it in your body, consider yourself blessed.
Next, you’ve got to work on shedding your inhibitions.
Dancing using Internet videos may help with making the transition to take a group class at a studio.
Ballet is not only for the young, even the elderly can take lessons but the movements are modified accordingly. — AFP
Plentiful benefits
Enrolment in dance classes goes up and down, depending on what time of the year it is. And with adults who juggle multiple roles, commitment is often an issue but that shouldn’t be a reason not to try a class.
With the New Year only two weeks away, there should be new intakes opening up so hunt around for what dance suits you.
Check out some of the benefits of face-to-face classes:
> Whether your aim is to have a better physique or to build additional muscles, dance lessons require the use of every muscle group in your body.
Dancing also demands using these different muscle groups simultaneously, so you are bound to notice serious muscle toning.
> It won’t burn the same number of calories as a regular exercise class but when it comes to cardiovascular health, dance lessons offer greater benefits than walking.
> It provides a structured outlet for expression and emotional release, while gaining awareness and appreciation of oneself and others.
> Dancing improves confidence and mental health, and gives you the opportunity to forget about your problems and relax while enjoying an increase in positive hormones.
> You’ll have better coordination and balance. Coordination training is also brain training, as it demands both body and brain to synchronise the muscles when executing a sequence.
Practicing your coordination in dance classes will give you a better understanding of how your body works so you become more in tune with it.
> Apparently, dance can help enhance the development of new neural connections, keeping your memory sharp and fully functioning.
> Dancing often occurs in a group setting, fostering connections between individuals, leading to wider social connections.
Class genres
There are many types of beginner classes suitable for adults such as hip hop, adult ballet, adult jazz, belly, pole, tap and contemporary dance.
Ballroom dancing is a particularly great option for beginners because it teaches the basics of posture, rhythm and grace.
Rock and roll, swing or modern jive are the easiest because the music usually has a 4/4 signature and a loud bass beat, which beginners can follow without difficulty.
Classes are often structured and social, offering a friendly environment where new dancers can learn and practice with partners of the same skill level.
Hip hop is a favourite among younger adults who have the energy to keep up. — Pexels
You definitely wouldn’t dive right into the extremely difficult choreography immediately.
The only problem is that these classes are often filled with couples or women so if you’re solo, finding a male partner can be a problem.
There is a bit of investment when it comes to dance shoes but usually, the teacher will allow you to use sneakers, sports shoes or dance barefoot until you decide if you want to continue lessons indefinitely.
Hunting for the right teacher
Of course, you’ve got to find the right teacher or in my journey through life, I’ve come to realise that the right teacher will only come along when you’re ready to receive the lessons.
In my early years of polishing my skills in Latin and ballroom dancing, I recall asking my instructor – who had accumulated many international awards – why he only taught beginner students when he was a professional dancer.
His reply stunned me.
“All students have to go through my classes before they can move on to the next level; my job is to ensure their foundation is strong. Once they’re on the right footing, they don’t have to struggle with technique, which is where my strength lies.
“Yes. I can perform all the advance techniques but I don’t have the skills to teach them so I leave it to others,” he said.
His answer was an eye-opener for the then 20-something me.
One can be a fantastic dancer but a lousy teacher, and vice versa. Rarely do you find someone who can do both well.
Dance shoes like the ones pictured here are expensive so try out a class for a few weeks before making your purchase. — Pexels
For instance, English ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn – renowned for her perfect lines and exquisite lyricism – was one of the greatest dancers of her generation but students opined that she couldn’t teach or impart her skills.
On the other hand, one person may prefer a certain instructor while another may not be able to derive anything from the same person.
It doesn’t mean the teacher is incompetent – perhaps his pedagogical approach just doesn’t suit you.
There are many trial classes available so test out which teacher or dance style you resonate with.
No matter your age, it’s never too late to start for there’s no “use by” date.
That said, older adults should also have realistic expectations about how fast and far they can progress as dancers.
Come on, don’t be shy.
Revathi Murugappan is a certified fitness trainer who tries to battle gravity and continues to dance to express herself artistically and nourish her soul. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
