John Hamman writes...

“If you can walk, you can dance”


How many of you have been watching the cult TV show, “Strictly Come Dancing” every week, and saying to yourself, “I’d really like to do that sometime…” Well now’s the time, and you can do right it here at Kelvin Grove!

It’s a fine thing to be able to dance well – to move comfortably and rhythmically with a partner to music you both enjoy. There is nothing nicer than to look forward to an evening of dance with confidence. What a terrifying prospect to be asked to a dance not knowing how to stand and hold a partner or do the steps. Think of all the opportunities missed?

Dancing is as natural as walking. Done properly you can dance all evening without being exhausted. What a wonderful and social way to exercise. Indirectly through dance, we acquire charm, poise and yes –even discipline. Above all, the emphasis is on a fun way of acquiring this social skill, which plays such an important part of our lives. Which other sport would stay with us throughout our lives to be used as an international language? There is no age limit.

The social, mental, physical and emotional benefits of ballroom dancing are well documented. Ballroom and Latin dancing can raise the heart rate anywhere from 80 – 120 BPM (more for some of us). Sustained in 2 minute bursts over a 45-minute period, it will build not only your heart’s strength, but its endurance too. Dancing uses the perfect blend of isometric and isotonic resistance (the 2 ingredients to muscle toning). This is perfect for building beautiful tone in the muscles without building heavy muscle mass (a big concern for women). According to the American Journal of Medicine, the best way to avoid arthritis and remedy current joint discomfort is to continue to use the joints in a controlled manner. The beautiful rise and fall of the waltz demonstrates this beautifully. What better way to do this than ballroom dancing. Dancing also improves your posture, which gives you a more confident appearance and a better sense of balance.

No matter what you do in life, you’ve got to take a break sometime. B&L dancing provides a temporary escape from the cares of the world and their pressures. A few hours a week of dancing gives you freedom, enjoyment and in turn leads to improved performance in other areas of life such as work or studies.

So, with that in mind, it’s time to take your first step. Come along to one of my FREE introductory classes at the club (call to find out when the next one is). My promise to you - I’ll have you dancing the basics to 8 dances within 12 classes! I teach all the ballroom favourites like the waltz, quickstep, foxtrot and tango as well as the sultry latin dances including the cha cha, rumba, salsa, jive and more. I also offer private tuition, ladies latin fitness classes, kiddie’s classes and more.

Yours in dancing,

John Hamman