Unstoppable | Dance The Night (Or Day) Away!

Some of us enjoyed it when we were younger. Some of us have never stopped! We’re talking ‘dancing’, an activity that can increase our fitness, help with balance and co-ordination, contribute to our mental health, and keep us (sometimes literally) on our toes. Dance is such a win-win pastime, if you’re not already ‘doing’ it, you may want to start!

A style to suit everyone

One style never suits all, but when it comes to dance, there are so many forms to choose from. If you’re looking for improved fitness, Scottish country, square, belly, and jazz dancing are the answer. They’re fast moving, and employ a wide range of body movements. Best of all, they’re fun, so you’ll have plenty of distraction as you build up your levels of endurance.

Strength, flexibility and technique are to be found in ballet, while salsa and ballroom dance will get you thinking rhythmically, and enhance the sort of co-ordination vital to dancing with a partner.

Stage a sit-in!

Dance opportunities can be found around the country, and it’s perfectly acceptable to ask to sit-in on a class or club night before you sign up. Before you head out on a dance encounter, ask yourself what you most want to gain from the experience, and be guided by the answer. Do you, for instance, want the privacy of individual lessons, or to dance in a group? Would you prefer slower or faster music to dance to? Are you interested in competitive dancing, or is casual more your style. Do you want to move alone or with a partner? Most dance experience costs something (even if it’s a minimal sub to help a club pay for the venue). How much do you want to spend?

Best foot forward

To make the most of dance, especially in our retirement years, it’s wise to prepare. If you’re not already an active person, or if you have a medical condition, check with your GP about the sort of dance that will suit your health. Avoid injury by disclosing your level of fitness to your teacher or club so everyone knows what you are, and aren’t, capable of. Walking to and from your venue, or warming up (and down) in some other way, can help you avoid injury when on the dance floor. Wear comfortable and appropriate footwear (clubs are often able to advise on this, and may also have specialist second hand or new shoes for sale). Dancing is surprisingly thirsty work – be sure to take your water bottle with you!

Dance opportunities

There are around ninety Scottish Country Dancing clubs in New Zealand – which means there’s likely to be one near you. Once you’ve learned just a few basic ‘figures’, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a whole range of Scottish dances.

Beautiful ballet

Always wanted to be a ballet dancer? You haven’t left it too late when you head to ‘Senior Swans’. The Onehunga-based dance academy for seniors offers classes at all levels from beginner to those with more experience.

Ramp it up with Rock‘n’Roll

Up and down the country, at almost thirty affiliated clubs, Rock‘n’Roll is alive and well! Once you involve yourself in this lively dance, you’ll discover there are so many opportunities for socialising and competing.

Social dancing

One of the simplest ways to get dancing is to join a local social dance club. These are often held in the afternoon to meet the needs of those who don’t want to go out after dark. Ask at your Citizens Advice Centre for contact details, or look in the pages of your local newspaper.

If you’re already dancing – enjoy! If you’re not, why not start today?