The History and Health Benefits of Ballroom Dancing

Flori Parham, PC Ballroom Dance Club

Ballroom Dancing

Different styles of ballroom dance exist ranging from the waltz, tango, and foxtrot, and more. Referred to as social dancing, ballroom dancing was a pastime of the upper class Europeans. Dances were held at large parties and performed with elegance and grace. Ballroom dance is the last holdout in the realm of “social graces.” It requires education, practice, and good manners. That said, any gentleman who wishes to be in the company of graceful women on a regular basis is missing the boat by not learning to ballroom dance. Many men secretly would love to be able to take a total stranger out on a dancefloor and turn heads with their ability to lead a dance, but they are afraid they “have two left feet.” You can solve that by simply taking lessons and becoming that guy!

The Ballroom Renaissance

In the 1960s, musical performances from dancers such as Fred Astaire helped to spread the popularity of ballroom dancing across the world. Different dances began to become popular throughout the years and, lately, there has been a rise in ballroom dancing. Many reasons can play into why ballroom dancing is becoming popular again. Social media has played a role in this rise. Films such as La La Land have reminded people of a nostalgic memory of the graceful dances between two individuals. This has pushed an eagerness into individuals wanting to learn to dance. Ballroom dancing provides an avenue to bring people together. It is easy to isolate yourself and one way this loneliness can be undone is with ballroom dancing.

Health Benefits of Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dance is a fun, interactive experience. Social activity is also an important factor in the mental health and attitude for everyone, and ballroom dance is, at its core, a social activity. You are never too old to start dancing. There are some types of dance that lend themselves to a younger, more athletic crowd, however part of the reason we all love ballroom and other partner dances is that you can keep learning to dance through your 90s! It has been noted that ballroom dance can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen weight-bearing bones, help prevent or slow bone loss related to osteoporosis, lower the risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and promote increased lung capacity. Ballroom dancing contributes to the build-up of muscle strength because the act of dancing forces a dancer’s muscles to resist against their own body weight. The use of quick steps and turns help you develop more muscle strength in your legs and core. Feel like getting up and dancing? Sign up for our group dance lessons.

Upcoming Ballroom Dance Schedule

Group Dance Lessons at Eagle’s Nest Ballroom—$10 per person, or $15 per couple. Simply send an email to [email protected] to let us know that you would like to join us.

Nov. 3—Group Dance Lessons at Eagle’s Nest Ballroom

* 3 p.m., Waltz Intermediate

* 4 p.m., Cha-Cha—Beginner

Dec. 7 and 14—Continuation of November’s lesson

* 3 p.m., Waltz ‘More’

* 4 p.m., Cha-Cha—Beginner

Nov. 10Mistletoe Ball Dinner Dance (Semi-Formal)

Tickets are being sold at the Eagle’s Nest kiosk on Oct. 26, Oct. 31, and Nov. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information about the PebbleCreek Ballroom Dance Club, please visit our website at www.pcballroomdanceclub.com or visit our Ballroom Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/211996148407816.