Do you want to FEEL AMAZING?

I get new people through the doors every week to my dance classes.  Some stay, some go, some go on to be dance teachers themselves, but whatever their reasons for coming along in the first place… surely one of them must have been the thought that they would like to learn to dance.   Or maybe it was just fitness or better balance or co ordination? 

Whatever the reasons, what makes me really sad is those people who come along maybe twice or three times and then decide that’s it all too difficult and you never see them again.  Why?  As a baby learning to walk we don’t give up as it too difficult! We fall over, we get up, we try again, we fall over, we get up again… until we can walk.  And dancing is NOT all about the steps.  Dancing is so much more than that.

Learning to dance, or to move your body, if you’re not used to it takes time…. I mean, what did they expect? To be able to just suddenly be able to dance?  If they turned up at the swimming pool and had never swum before, they would not be able to dive into the pool and pound out 25 lengths, so why do people just expect to be able to dance?

Any new hobby that you decide to do also has a set or ‘rules’ or ‘etiquette’ that goes with it – along with a complete ‘new’ language.  Most hobbies have a whole new dictionary of jargon and words that are part of the hobby.  Think of golf as an example – there are Fairways, Birdies, Nine Irons…. or how about Martial Arts like Karate?  Age Uke, Kibadachi, Mae Geri… Or even Yoga?  Tadasana, Uttanasana and Vrksana…

It really is like learning another language!  But, the good news is – the more you hear all these new words, you’ll eventually learn the meanings and then it ceases to sound like a foreign language and begins to make sense.

It’s the same with dancing.  All the steps have names.  If you turn up to a dance class and the teacher says do a Mambo basic or a Pivot turn – if you don’t know what these ‘look’ like – you’re obviously going to be at a bit of a disadvantage.  One of the most confusing elements can also be that the same step may have a different name depending on what dance genre you’re learning.  A Cha Cha Basic in ballroom dancing for instance could also be called a Chasse.

But don’t worry if you don’t know your ‘Flekerl’ from your ‘Botafogo’, because dancing is not about just knowing what the steps are called.  The joy is in the movement, the music and all the other hidden benefits, like increased balance, co-ordination, confidence and the feelings of well being just moving your body can give you.  

Learning to dance does take time though.  Time to become familiar with the step names, time to recognise the different rhythms and the beats and bars in music and time to relax and let yourself go.  

So, if you’re considering going to a dance class to learn to dance – just be be gentle on yourself and have fun!

Did you know that kids need an hour of exercise a day to keep them well and happy? 

Doesn’t sound much does it?  But the shocking reality is that today  – over 75% of kids are not getting enough exercise.  Are you worried?  You should be.

A survey done last year by Public Health England found that just 23% of boys and 20% of girls currently meet the national recommended level of activity – which means that our children’s physical AND mental health is at risk.

Children who get enough physical activity are mentally and physically healthier, and have all round better development as they grow into adults. 

But in our modern world of driving to school instead of walking/cycling, and computer gaming and social media instead of playing in the park and climbing trees, how can we make sure our children are getting enough exercise?

Most children love being active and moving their bodies.  Just ask anyone who has ever tried to keep them still!  And, according to the above survey, most kids said that being active made them feel happier, more confident and more sociable.  So – if they hate football, don’t like getting wet and aren’t really interested in gymnastics – walking to school is a good start, but how about DANCING?

DANCING isn’t all ballet, tap and stern teachers with ‘up-do’s’ playing boring piano music!  And you don’t have to be a ‘dancer’ or want to perform on the West End stage, to enjoy a weekly dance class.

Attending a dance class – just for fun – offers so many benefits for children of ALL ages.  And it’s not just the obvious physical ones.  Little children especially love ‘dancing’ – even though it might just look like they are jumping about to you!  And, for older children, dancing can help them overcome shyness and improve their self esteem – and that’s just for starters!

Our Dance Generation classes are about making new friends, moving your body, expressing yourself, getting fitter and enhancing social and life skills, gaining confidence, having fun, learning a new skill and enjoying the music!  

We place as much importance on the health, social and leisure benefits and opportunities that dancing can give children, rather than just teaching ‘steps’.   Our classes are for ALL kids – whatever their size, shape or age – and we dance for Fun, Fitness and Friendship.

We are confident that your child will LOVE our dance classes.  So – why not bring them along?

All classes are FREE to try out.

For more information call 07811 823467

www.dancegeneration.co.uk

 

To read the full survey mentioned above – click here:  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/number-of-children-getting-enough-physical-activity-drops-by-40

It’s New Year.  The perfect time to re-evaluate our lives and make ourselves promises that we will make THIS year the one where we ditch old patterns and start looking after ourselves better  – which normally includes starting a new healthy diet, giving up smoking or alcohol (or both) AND resolving to join a gym, go running or start an exercise or dance class.  Most people decide to do every single one of those things at ONCE! No wonder it all goes out the window three weeks later!

However, making smaller more manageable changes can be your key to starting a healthier lifestyle journey. Small changes over a longer period of time are much more powerful ways to change the way you think and your habits.

So – why not start with just moving your body a bit more? 

Dancing has been proven to be one of the best exercises you can do.  Dancing is easy to do, you don’t need any special skills or equipment – just two left feet is all you need.  And it’s so much more than getting the steps right!  Just moving to the music releases endorphins into the bloodstream that trigger a positive feeling in the body – which makes you feel happier!

You can dance in your own kitchen or in the living room.  Better still – why not come along to one of our Dance Fitness classes – bring a friend – we have three a week to choose from.  Dance Fitness is fun, good for you and will make you feel happier and more positive – which will help towards your goal of a new healthier, fitter lifestyle.

All our dance classes are FREE to try!  There is no need to book – just turn up and DANCE!  See the CLASSES page for more!