Stop and think a moment—do you know anyone who is a good dancer who is not outstandingly popular? I doubt that you do. And that is the main reason why people want to be good dancers. There is nothing so thrilling in life as to be popular with friends and sought after as a companion.
It’s Fun To Dance!
It’s easy to understand why good dancers are in demand. Just watch any crowd on a ballroom floor. Those who can dance well look happy—they seem in tune with the gaiety and music. Not only are they enjoying themselves, but their partners are having a fine time, too. People like to dance—they are born with a deep and inherent love of moving to rhythm.
There’s nothing new about dancing—it is as old as mankind. Dancing used to have a serious side back in the dark ages. Primitive man had a different dance for every phase of emotion… his religion, superstition, grief, hate, happiness, and love. Dancing has lived in every age, every class of life. High school students are always amused when they study the life of Socrates, the ancient philosopher—they can hardly believe their eyes when they read that he danced, too!
Physical Benefits of Dancing
We dance because it’s fun—that’s reason enough. But, dancing is also an easy, delightful form of exercise. Good dancers develop supple grace and superb muscle tone by using the muscles of the diaphragm, arms, shoulders, legs, and ankles. Dancing is closely related to rhythmic sports such as tennis, skating, and boxing.
Why Doctors Prescribe Dancing
Because dancing is so easy to learn and such a relaxing exercise, doctors prescribe it for many types of patients. A shy, awkward adolescent can become a graceful, well poised youth once he becomes confident of himself as a dancer. Middle-aged people who have slumped, given up, and “let themselves go” can gain a new, vigorous, youthful posture and personality through a re-awakened interest in dancing. Certain physical impairments can be improved and corrected by dancing… it is used toward attaining better posture; strengthening weak arches and developing strong, graceful legs.
Dancing Lasts a Lifetime!
Now and then I have heard pupils complain of the “routine” involved in learning. Basic fundamentals are necessary in the beginning—just as you must learn to hold a golf club or tennis racquet before you can play. But, once you have really learned to dance, it becomes something you will never forget. We often see white-haired couples doing a beautiful Waltz, just as proficiently as they did years ago. No matter how old a person is he can still move with youthful grace on the dance floor. Isn’t it worth the effort of mastering the fundamentals to gain a lifetime of pleasure?
Don’t Envy Others
I have never met any person who could not learn to become a fine dancer. You have the same natural ability that others have and good dancing is within your reach. Make up your mind today not to lose out on pleasure. Be a good dancer—have more fun out of life!
