By Tia Cristy

 

Getting Fit with Ballroom.

Getting fit in the winter can be a chore, but what if you were getting fit doing a hobby? I watched Dancing with Stars a few times and found myself mesmerized by the fact that these people, who have no training in the beginning, can dance gracefully by the end. How cool is it to learn the style of Cary Grant while toning your body? Honestly, there is something sexy about a person that knows how to dance. It shows they have rhythm and class on the dance floor. Where else in life could they have rhythm and class?
I was at an appearance the other week, and I met The Blueball Room Dance Company. Their moves were flawless. I think owner Ken Richards and dancer Jonathan saw the interest in my eyes instantly, and invited me to attend the school’s weekly dance party. I’ve never ballroom danced before. I was scared, truthfully. I was unsure if I could do it, let alone, I had surgery years ago that left me with limitations. Could I really dance like they do on T.V.? But, I figured I would go and observe.

As I open the front door to the ball room, a winding staircase greeted me. As I climbed the steps, the room was beautiful with delicate lighting. It was surprising. It wasn’t a cold white room with plain mirrors, it was warm and inviting. I was greeted by students, immediately. Their ages ranged from 21+. One man was well over 60. The mix of the crowd was wonderful and comfortable. The training level was from beginner to almost pro. A group of ladies invited me to sit with them. I sat at the round lounge style table and focused on the dance floor. I watched as the participants partake in a Viennese Waltz. It was stunning. I couldn’t imagine myself being able to do that. When the song ended, without a word, everyone came towards the sitting area and grabbed a new partner to dance with. I watched this exchange happen for three songs, before international dancer Johnny, grabbed my hand and led me to the dance floor. I pleaded with him that I had no idea of what I was doing. He didn’t care. He guided my steps and stayed patient with me as I tripped all over his feet. When the song ended he escorted me back to my seat and told me I was fantastic. I felt elated. I did it. Not well, but I did it.

As I started to sit with a smile on my face, the next person reached their hand out towards me. Once again, I confessed my doubt in myself. But, they didn’t care either. Needless to say, I danced the entire time. And, I loved every minute of it. Even at the moment, I almost fell on my face. Apparently, there’s no room to feel self-conscious there. Everyone was a beginner at one point. I learned in that time, the concept of several different dances. I loved each dance from the waltz’s to the rhythm Latin. When instructor Jonathan took my hand towards the end of the night, he had me spinning all over the dance floor. For a moment, I believed I knew what I was doing. It was incredible.

When the dance floor came to a close, I felt infused physically and emotionally. I felt intensely fit and happy. I knew at that moment I was hooked on the art of dance as a new outlet for health. I was still nervous on how I would feel later. Would my knees hurt? How about my muscles? I anticipated feeling it the next day, but when I woke up I still felt energy that I didn’t have the day before. My breathing felt strong, my muscles felt good, and I knew I was definitely ready to dance again.

The thing I learned most was I didn’t have to know how to dance prior to this, I didn’t have to have a special excuse to be there, and I didn’t have to have a partner with me. I never thought ballroom dancing could be a solo hobby, but there were plenty of dancers to go around. Dancing helps with balance, breathing, memory, coordination, toning muscles, building strength, relieving stress and overall health benefits.

The Blueball Room offers private and group lessons. The classes range from beginner, bronze and silver. They also offer hip hop dance once a week. If you want to learn to dance for a wedding or just because you always wanted to learn, like me, get in touch with The Blueball Room. The cost is so affordable starting at $70 for single, $105 for a couple for four weeks.

Look out Dancing with the Stars, I’ll be ready soon! Keep a lookout for my progress on TipsfromTia Facebook Page!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!