Ballroom Dancing Enjoys Resurgence With Kids

Step one: Put on your dancing shoes. Step two: Grab a partner. Step three: Tango!

Ballroom dancing, from the fox trot to the charleston, has long been a popular part of American culture. Adults love it, but lately, younger generations have been tapping into the music and rhythm of the waltz and the cha-cha - dances that once excited their parents and grandparents.

This is due in part to ballroom dancing's resurgence in television and film.

In the recent documentary "Mad Hot Ballroom," now available on DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment, pupils from three New York City schools discover the world of ballroom dancing through 10 weeks of required classes taught by the American Ballroom Theater.

The film showcases the children's candid, innocent and hilarious perspectives as they are transformed from typical urban kids to "ladies and gentlemen."

With each scene, the audience watches as they strive to meet their ultimate goal - the final city competition known as the Rainbow Team Matches.

Kids are not the only ones with a renewed interest in the dance form. Parents, too, are recognizing the potential of ballroom dancing in keeping their children occupied, out of trouble and in shape.

Studies on the benefits of ballroom dancing conducted by California State University at Long Beach show that even beginning students can get their heart rates up to near-maximum training rates with a five-minute warm-up and a 20-minute cha-cha, polka or swing. Moderate ballroom dancing burns between 250 and 300 calories per hour. Vigorous dancing can burn as many as 400 calories per hour.

Along with its benefits to the body, ballroom dancing develops coordination and teaches children important lessons in social interaction and good manners.

For The Beginner Dancer

For The Beginner Dancer

As a newcomer to dancing you undoubtedly have an uneasy feeling about how you should conduct yourself at a dance class. You possibly wonder if you are going to experience difficulty learning. Well first, please be assured you have no reason for concern. dancing is easy and you will not have serious difficulty learning. Everyone in the class is a beginner, starting on the same base, and you will all learn together. The following comments may make it easier for you to understand.

As a newcomer to dancing you undoubtedly have an uneasy feeling about how you should conduct yourself at a dance class. You possibly wonder if you are going to experience difficulty learning. Well first, please be assured you have no reason for concern. dancing is easy and you will not have serious difficulty learning. Everyone in the class is a beginner, starting on the same base, and you will all learn together. The following comments may make it easier for you to understand a few basics concerning the dance activity. 

1) DANCING IS FUN! Your instructor will be doing his best to help you realize this from the very first night. 

2) dancing is a casual activity. You need no formal introduction to those you have not met. There are no strangers among dancers. Just step right up to anyone and introduce yourself. In dancing we are all on a first name basis. It's friendlier that way. Wear your "NAME TAG." 

3) Later you may wish to dress "themed"; but for the classes, just dress comfortably. 

4) dancing is a close contact sport. Please use good judgement in your choice of jewelry, belt buckles, etc. Sharp or rough edges may scratch or catch on someone's clothing. 

5) On a very delicate subject - extra physical exercise or possibly the slight nervous tension of learning may cause perspiration. Use of deodorant is advisable, to avoid the embarrassment of body odors which may be offensive to others. 

6) On a personal note - the use of alcoholic beverages, just prior to or during a dance, is not permissible. 

7) Gents - Remember! You have both strength and weight advantage over the ladies and you should always, even in your enthusiasm, be conscious that the ladies do not like to be handled roughly. Let them enjoy dancing too! 

8) IMPORTANT. Listen carefully to instructions and be sincere in your efforts to follow instructions. GOOD LISTENERS LEARN EASIER! 

9) If, during the class, you do not understand an instruction, do not hesitate to ask for an additional explanation from the caller. 

10) There is no reason to feel shy or embarrassed - just listen and follow instructions. Sooner than you think, you will be dancing to the calls. 

11) dancing is relaxing. Take it easy! You do not have to work hard at it, you have plenty of time. ENJOY YOURSELF! 

12) Please be on time for every class and HAVE FUN!

For The Beginner Dancer.