A recent popular television show in which celebrities learned how to do ballroom dances revealed a glaring demonstration of the error in this kind of thinking. One of the contestants, also a model, provides an example of the media’s “ideal” look for what a healthy woman should be. However, her dance instructor soon noticed that, although she had a figure to envy, she lacked good muscle tone. Immediately, he began trying to build her strength and fitness.
The problem with this kind of thinking is that expressing yourself to the music is only one part of the salsa equation. If you’re only dancing by yourself then feel free to do whatever you feel like. We all know that salsa is a partner dance NOT a freestyle solo dance. It’s not just about your personal individual expression.
Dancing provides great social benefits but also participating in ballroom dancing on a regular basis will produce significant mental and physical health benefits. Dancing is a great stress reliever. It builds confidence, alertness and good attitude. It also has been proven to have a great physical benefit as it physically tones the whole body in enjoyable exercise.
You need to consult your physician before starting any rigorous movements. Injuries can occur, or previously existing conditions can be aggravated, especially if you’ve not been active in a while.And if something you are doing causes pain, stop doing it!
If you are afraid to begin your belly dance lessons in a class full of other men and women you can always opt to purchase videos and DVD lessons. There are many of these lessons from which to choose, even lessons that focus on the mental and/or healing aspects of Oriental dance if that is where you feel you need to focus your efforts. Belly dancing is a great deal of fun in addition to being a decent form of getting much needed physical activity.
If it is difficult for you to maintain concentration on all of these parts of your body, instead place your focus on the extremities: head, hands, and feet. By concentrating on these extremities, you will be forced to extend all of your limbs as well. What is especially important in ballet is extending and pointing your feet whenever possible.