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I've been thinking about taking some sort of dance class somewhere. I'll admit, I'm a closet DWTS fan (sshh, don't tell ANYONE ), but it's always been an interest of mine. I took tap/jazz lessons years ago and really liked it (would have LOVED it if it hadn't been for the wicked uncomfortable tap shoes!). oh, and I've been known to play DDR when an arcade is fairly empty!
right now, I'm really out of shape and could stand to lose a lot of weight, though I do a lot of walking, so I'm not too out of shape. I also have an iffy ankle from a past hiking incident (ok 95% of the time, but it does like to act up sometimes). I'm also pretty sure I have no rhythm . looking for an easy to learn, fun, dance class that won't have me wearing leotards, 5 inch heels, surrounded by Julliard drop outs, or being tossed in the air by anyone (unless that anyone is built like Mario Lopez ). any ideas what type of dance to take? anyone have success w/ losing a lot of weight and getting toned via dance?
Two things that have helped me and still helping me.
Dress however you want, put on some music with a great beat and get moving. Jump and move around. This can turn into a good cardio and fun workout. Don't worry about rhythem, just move to the music.
Secondly, take some classes in bellydancing. It's done in your bare feet. It isolates muscles and helps with the toning of them. If you cannot find a class near you, get a dvd. I would recommend Amiras beginning bellydance dvd. She walks you through some of the basic moves.
The rhythem for this kind of dance may or may not happen with practice (Depends on the person)
I do it and at times, I flow better than other times but learning the moves and isolating different muscle groups will help you tone.
I compete in ballroom (all four styles - Latin, American Rhythm, American Smooth and International Standard). I am thin and this is one of the reasons why. Dance is an excellent cardio workout. You don't have to be born with rhythm and it's okay to have two left feet. You have to be taught to dance like this - nobody is born naturally knowing all the steps and how to dance. Type USA Dance or USABDA into your browser and look for the chapter nearest you and find some dance classes and social dances. You will not only lose weight and have fun while doing it, but you will meet a lot of really nice people. I highly recommend it!
Very good advice so far on this thread. My wife has been competing in ballroom dance since she was a child and is in phenomenal shape. If you can find a place that teaches (not Arthur Murray) you should try it. Although, I dont think there are any places that have as hardcore fitness routines as what my wife had in Russia but still you may get a good workout by dancing for 1.5 - 2 hrs.
Bellydancing is also another great way to use muscles that you never knew you had. Camels, undulations, shimmys are all great exercises that will help get you toned. Bellydance is pretty much being taught at all dance studios. You should try that as well. There are also some really good DVDs from "Veena and Neena" and "jillina" that are great for shaping and toning. Try them out and good luck.
thanks for the ideas guys! I'm gonna have to look into ballroom dancing, sounds interesting. will check out the others too (doesn't hurt to learn more than one!). I may check to see if my school offers any beginner dance classes
Well--Shag is a bit different from swing--no upper body motion to speak of, but it's fun, nevertheless!
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), but it's always been an interest of mine. I took tap/jazz lessons years ago and really liked it (would have LOVED it if it hadn't been for the wicked uncomfortable tap shoes!). oh, and I've been known to play DDR when an arcade is fairly empty!
. looking for an easy to learn, fun, dance class that won't have me wearing leotards, 5 inch heels, surrounded by Julliard drop outs, or being tossed in the air by anyone (unless that anyone is built like Mario Lopez 
). any ideas what type of dance to take? anyone have success w/ losing a lot of weight and getting toned via dance?
