Well 2009 will soon be upon us and as we start this new year with all our new years resolutions, I can't hep but think how grateful I am that I have spent a lifetime in dance and have had all the joys, and sometimes pains, that it brings. I have no frame of reference for not knowing how to dance since I was only five years old when I started training. And how long ago was that? I'll let you guess. I am proud to say that dancing has certainly kept me young. With all the time and money I have spent perfecting my craft why is it that dance is such a great value? There are several very important reasons: Physical, Mental and Emotional.
Physically, dancers have some of the best athletic bodies around since dance develops very strong bones and muscles, and a fantastic sense of balance. Dance moves require a person to balance on one foot or the other in order to execute a dance movement, and all this must be done in time to a specific piece of music with styling and technique! Learning to dance develops coordination and agility since the entire body is involved: head, hands, fingers, head position along with the obvious, legs and feet. We are always stretching our backs, standing up straight, extending our limbs, getting our weight over the balls of our feet and all while keeping our core, abdominals and lower back isometrically engaged. Posture is a key element of good dancing!
Mentally, dance gets you into another frame of mind. While on a dance lesson the student's mind is fully engaged since dancing requires one's full attention. When we are on a treadmill our minds can be elsewhere thinking of work, our grocery list etc., but when we dance our minds and our bodies are fully engaged. This is far more beneficial for our mental health. When our minds are clear we can think better.
Emotionally, dance elevates our mood thereby releasing endorphins that help the body stay healthy. There are medical reports galore that expound on the benefits of good emotional health and how it relates to our physical health. I am happiest to hear how dance changes the lives of those we teach in such positive ways. The value of feeling better about yourself, making new meaningful friendships, laughing and feeling more confident in social situations enhances the quality of our lives. This is what really matters and I am proud to say that this is what the Iacono Ballroom Center is all about; enhancing the lives of those we teach. All the staff here at the Iacono Ballroom Center know the wonderful benefits of learning to dance and staying with it. At Iacono Ballroom Center the staff truly loves what they do and sharing it with all of you!
So join us and learn to dance. You will be glad you did. As far as value for your money, dance is something that no one can ever take away from you. The more you stick with it, the more you will see that the benefits will just keep on coming! Happy 2009!
