Social distancing has put a lot of strain on our mental wellbeing. The lack of social interaction, having to cancel our plans, staying inside our house more than we’re used to – all of these things can make our stress levels soar, and that affects both our mental and our physical fitness. It’s no secret that these two are interlinked. In these times, it is more important than ever to find something to improve and maintain our overall wellness. Physical exercise is, of course, the most tried and tested method, but if you are looking for something more exciting, then dancing is the right option for you. The effect of dancing on your physical condition will be the same as any other type of cardio activity. Not to mention that it will work wonders for your emotional well-being by boosting your mood and your self-esteem. But there are so many types of dances. What type of dance should you learn and why? Well, it all depends on what you want.
- Waltz
If you want to start with something less physically demanding, then waltz is exactly what you are looking for. The flowing movements of this ballroom dance are quite easy to learn. If you enjoy listening to Classical music or romantic ballads, this dance is perfect for you. It is also the most famous dance of the ballrooms around the world, so it is basically a must-learn for any dance enthusiast.
- Bachata
If you want to learn a dance that is more sensual, but not very hard to learn, you should try Bachata. Although it is more of a “street dance” rather than traditional Latin dance, it is extremely popular around the world. The basic step is very easy to learn compared to other Latin dances, so it is a good dance for beginners. You’ll learn to coordinate different parts of your body in a smooth, sensual manner to the rhythm of your favorite pop or R&B tunes.
- Belly dancing
This exotic dance has many surprising health benefits. It improves your posture, strengthens your back and pelvic floor muscles, as well as your arms and hips. Although it may look very complicated, the belly dance is surprisingly easy to learn once you get into it. Apart from being a very exciting dance, it is a great way to get fit and toned.
- Irish step dancing
One of the most notoriously difficult dance to learn is Irish step dancing. It is a dance that is extremely demanding on your lower body. You have to focus on maintaining many parts of your body in the right position but also coordinate them accordingly throughout the dance. It is very physically straining and requires a lot of patience, but the fitness benefits are undeniable. It improves muscle tone and strength, increases your stamina, builds stronger bones, and helps maintain your body posture. If you’re up for a real challenge, then you should look for a pair of Irish dancing shoes and start learning the Irish dance.
- Swing
For jazz lovers, the swing is the perfect option. There are many different varieties of this dance, with different speed options. Some are easier to learn for beginners. You can start by learning the East Coast Swing dance moves, and once you master that, you can get to the more complicated spins and kicks that this dance is so famous for. You will basically get a full-body workout, and develop rhythm, strength, and flexibility.