Why Dance? 

What do other's seem to like about swing dancing.  We understand there are many reasons why people don't dance... too little time, two left feet, too old, too unpartnered.

While these may seem like good reasons, there are better reasons to get out there. 

Here are a bunch of good reasons to get out on the dance floor for your mental health:
 

	It's fun. You've seen other people dance... you can do it too.
	It builds confidence and self-esteem which will leave you standing taller.
	It's a great way to meet new people in a comfortable setting.
	It's a nice way to add romance and variety to your relationship.
	If you like, you may get a chance to perform, i.e. be an exhibitionist. And, for your physical health, consider this:

Weight-Control

 More than half the American population is at least 20 lbs. above their desired target weight. One-fifth of this group is obese by medical standards. Men's Health (10/99) reports that 5 minutes of social dancing can burn up to 31 calories. Add those 5 minutes up and you'll be getting rid of some extra flesh.

Youth

Physical activity may not be the fountain of youth, but it's the closest thing we have. (Sacramento Bee 12/99)

Great Exercise

Tired of boring aerobics classes. The Chicago Tribune (12/99 ) reported that Salsa and Swing dancing are comparable to an aerobic class. Dancing one hour of Salsa or Swing will burn 450 calories. One hour dancing is a lot more fun than an hour on the treadmill.

Fewer Bone Fractures 

 Believe it or not dancing will help strengthen your bones! This means fewer bone fractures. Most people are not concerned about osteoporosis. Men think osteoporosis will never be a threat to them, young women don't think they have to worry about it, and the elderly think it's too late for them. They're wrong. Any exercise including dancing helps your bones acquire calcium to keep them strong and also benefits your heart and muscles. (Parade Magazine, 6/00)
(From the Ballroom of Elk Grove, Elk Grove, Ca )
 

1. Forever Young.

 Dancing is tremendously beneficial in keeping us young. It retards the aging process immensely. It benefits our heart, cardiovascular system and increases our lung capacity.

Fact: The muscle exertion and breathing rates of dancers performing in one dance competition is equivalent to those of cyclists, swimmers and an Olympic-level 800-meter runner.

2. Strong Bones Lubricated Joints.

Dance aids in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which is a major concern for woman, especially during post-menopause because of the significant drop in estrogen that occurs at this stage.

A decrease in our estrogen levels is what stops calcium from being absorbed into our bones. Dance also keeps joints lubricated, which helps prevent arthritis.

3. Calorie Blaster.

 Dance exercises our bodies to allow for increased circulation. It helps us burn those calories away, while improving our stamina. It is estimated that dance burns anywhere from 5 to 10 calories per minute depending on speed and intensity. For example, swing and mambo burn more calories than a slow waltz.

Dancing to your heart's content

(University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter)

Cross training is a varied approach to sports and exercise.

 Limiting yourself to one activity can be, well limiting. If you're a runner only, what do you do in a long rainy spell? Or what if you get bored with the same old thing?

There's one excellent exercise you may already know how to do, or perhaps have always wanted to do-ballroom dancing. Cheek-to-cheek stuff, Fred and Ginger.

"But, " you may ask, "is it really aerobic exercise?" Indeed it is, or can be. Exercise specialists have reported that at the competitive level, fast ballroom dancing can elevate your heart rate just as much as running cross-country skiing.

A study conducted at California State University at Long Beach showed that even beginning students can derive health benefits from ballroom dancing. Forty-five subjects (aged 18 to 35) did a five minute warm up and then a 20 minute aerobic section with a cha- cha a polka, two swing dances (jitterbug and Lindy), a Viennese waltz, and Samba .

 The great majority got their heart rates up to near maximum training rates, particularly in the polka, the swing, dancing and the waltz. As for caloric expenditures, even moderate ballroom dancing can burn between 250 and 300 calories per hour, and fast, vigorous dancing burns up-wards of 400 calories an hour.

The key to these benefits is to stay on the floor at least 20 minutes and just keep dancing.

Most ballroom numbers are short, so you need a partner who'll stay on the dance floor with you or a succession of partners. Since you'll be varying your steps and movements, overuse injuries are unlikely. Do try to be smooth, rhythmic, and gentle in your movements: most good dancers are.

To get maximum benefits, remember the following:

*Stop every half hour or so to drink water, whether you feel thirsty or not. Proper hydration helps keep you going .

*Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum (or avoid alcohol entirely).

*Wear comfortable clothing that wont be ruined by perspiration. Avoid tight underwear, tight belts and neckties, and shoes that hurt your feet,

 *Go on, have fun, roll back the carpet and practice at home.

  *Dance with your best friend or give your

Cat a whirl around the floor!