Never Too Old to Dance
Dancing is a sport most believe to be impossible to enter if you didn’t start dancing at 3 years old. There are certain styles that are definitely difficult to learn at an older age, as your body has not been manipulated to move in those ways; however, there are forms of dance that you can pick up at an older age and still enjoy without having started at birth. There are so man j6ny stories I could tell you about dancers who defied the odds and started later in life. Or ones who were injured and came back after their injuries. But I want to first inspire you with a reason to not be intimidated by the dance world. Most every ballroom you find in Orange County, CA has a wide range of ages involved. Dancers from as young as 8 years old to some that are over 80. The reason this genre of dance has become so widespread is because it is a dance form with so many varieties of styles and one that anyone can learn to a certain extent. You are never too old to dance! Here is why age and experience can’t be surpassed in ballroom:
- You can dance it socially or professionally
Many dances require mobility that is harder to achieve the older you get. With ballroom dances, you don’t have to be a professional to use the dance form and you can know just a few moves in order to get started on the dance floor. As long as you know how to lead or follow simple moves, you can dance it!
- You don’t have to be incredibly flexible or strong
Dancing is often associated with being limber and strong. Yes, these are admirable qualities in a dancer, but they are not a necessity in ballroom. Being able to control your own body and support your partner are the only required strengths.
- You don’t have to be in shape
There are many dancers who are award winning and incredible leads that are overweight. Your ability to lead and follow is not based on how in shape you are. Besides, it is a wonderful way to exercise and get in better shape.
- There is no pressure
When it comes to dancing in ballroom, from a social standpoint, it is meant to be fun. It is meant to be a release from stress and enjoyable.
- It is for all ages
When it comes to dancing socially, I have danced with ages as young as 8 and ages as old as 80! The age differences did not effect the way these people danced. In fact, I remember the 80 year old dancer being one of the best social dancers I have ever danced with! Your partner can be any age. As long as they are dancing well, it is enjoyable.
This is not to downplay professional ballroom dancing. It is a dance form to be respected, as it requires a great deal of hard work. And though it can be a social dance, it is also a professional genre that dancers compete in and spend their whole lives perfecting. That said, it is just as much meant to be enjoyed at a nonprofessional level, and it is also one of the best ways of socializing and exercising while using skills that you can acquire from dance lessons.
The reason I give you this rundown is so that you will see that there is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to dancing. Especially ballroom styles. And never think you are too old, out of shape, or uncoordinated to get started! If you have the will power to, you can do it! Just come on in, and see for yourself! You won’t regret it 🙂
-Article by Bella Ballroom Dance Studio instructor, Tayler
