Dancesport Victoria (ballroom and competitive dancing) Tel.Victorian Square Dancing Association Tel.Cool down after a dance session, including stretching.Move as fluidly and gracefully as you can.Perform regular leg-strengthening exercises.Learning new moves increases your risk of injury, especially if you are already tired. Check with your dance instructor that you are holding the correct form.Wear professionally fitted shoes appropriate to your style of dance.DonвЂ™t push yourself too far or too fast, especially if you are a beginner.Make sure you rest between dance sessions.Drink plenty of water before, during and after dancing.Do warm-up stretches or activities before you begin a dance session.Wear layers of clothing that you can take off as your body warms up.See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or are unfit.If you are thinking of taking up dancing, suggestions include: Will I enjoy competitions, or do I want to dance just for fun?.Do I want to join a group, or have private lessons?.Do I want to dance with a partner, or on my own?.Do I prefer fast dancing or slow dancing?.Am I trying to improve my flexibility and coordination?.Do I want to dance to improve my fitness?.When choosing a dance style, ask yourself questions such as: The name originates from the tapping sounds made when the small metal plates on the dancerвЂ™s shoes touch the ground Tap dancing вЂ“ focuses on timing and beats.Square-dancing вЂ“ a type of folk dancing where four couples dance in a square pattern, moving around each other and changing partners.Salsa вЂ“ involving a mixture of Caribbean, Latin American and African influences, salsa is usually a partner dance and emphasises rhythms and sensuality.It involves sensual dancing with a vertical pole, and requires muscle endurance, coordination, and upper- and lower-body strength. Pole dancing вЂ“ has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise.Jazz вЂ“ a high-energy dance style involving kicks, leaps and turns to the beat of the music.Hip-hop вЂ“ performed mostly to hip-hop music, this urban dance style can involve breaking, popping, locking and freestyling.Belly dancing вЂ“ originating in the Middle East, this dance style is a fun way to exercise.Ballroom dancing вЂ“ this involves a number of partner-dancing styles such as the waltz, swing, foxtrot, rumba and tango.Ballet вЂ“ mostly performed to classical music, this dance style focuses on strength, technique and flexibility.There are many styles of dance to choose from, each with its own attractions. To get started, simply choose a style you enjoy, or would like to try, look in the Yellow Pages or online for dance schools in your local area and join a class. For example, tap dancing will involve buying tap shoes, whereas ballet will need ballet slippers and ballet clothing. The gear you need for dancing will depend on the style of dancing you choose. It doesnвЂ™t matter whether it is cold or raining, as dancing is usually done indoors. It can be a great recreational and sporting choice, because anyone of any age can take part. Dancing has become such a popular way to be active and keep fit, that most fitness clubs now offer dance classes in their group exercise programs.Дancing can be done both competitively and socially. There are lots of different places where you can enjoy dancing, for example, at dance schools, social venues, community halls and in your own home. You can dance in a group, with a partner, or on your own. greater self-confidence and self-esteem.improved general and psychological wellbeing.better coordination, agility and flexibility.stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis.increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness.improved condition of your heart and lungs.It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including: Health benefits of dancingДancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Dancing is an enjoyable way to be more physically active and stay fit. Today, most dancing is about recreation and self-expression, although it can also be done as a competitive activity. Dance has always been a part of human culture, rituals and celebrations. There are many forms of dance, from ballroom to barn dancing and disco to Morris dancing.

African dance workout