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Dancing is a part of a lot of people’s lives, no matter your age or level. Whether you are dancing by yourself in your room to old hits from the 80’s, or you used to be a dancer when you were a kid but stopped, or maybe you have never busted out a move in your life. Either way, you clicked on this blog and you are interested in why it is never too late to start dancing. So, without further ado, here are 5 reasons as to why it is never too late to start dancing.
1. Dancing is for the soul.
You don’t have to be a professional ballerina who studied at the best school to be considered a dancer, no matter where you are sometimes you just have a need to bust a move (even if it is on the bus on your way back from work, or school). So why not—bust out that move, pop that hip to the rhythm on your walk back home; dancing was made for the soul. It allows you to be happy, to shake off the stressful day you had, and enjoy the musical work of other artists while you create art yourself. At the heart of it, dancing is a great mood lifter, and a fantastic way to enjoy your time, so dance for yourself and do it with pride!
Bonus Tip: If you want to dance on the bus just go for it, people might look at you weirdly but hey, you’re having fun and there is about a 0.002% chance you are going to see them again or they will even remember what happened by the time they get off the bus.
2. Age ain’t nothin' but a number
Now I already know what you might be thinking “oh I’m too old to dance now. I should have started when I was younger” or “dancing is for the youngsters, I don’t want to break a hip”—okay I may be exaggerating with that last one, but, I am here to tell you dancing has no limit. Age really is just a number, humans were made to have fun and enjoy their lives, and if dancing makes you happy then by all means dance the night away (with caution though, I don’t want to be responsible for any broken hips). So take that step forward and sign up for that hip hop dance, convince your husband to take salsa with you, he may not want to, but hey- next thing you know he is the next Eddie Torres (Eddie Torres was dubbed “The Mambo king”—now it’s your husband). All I’m saying is your ability to dance is not limited to your age. Just have fun and give it your all!
3. Gets you feeling happier and healthier
If you are looking for a fun way to get healthier—dance. Dance has all the benefits of losing weight, gaining muscle, increasing your flexibility and stamina all without the horrible side effects called “exercise” (I’m kidding, but the gym does suck). Getting healthier doesn’t have to be a drill. If you have to exercise/ want to get healthier, dancing is an ideal alternative. What’s better than having fun while working out, getting healthier and not having to go to the gym? (the answer is nothing—nothing is better than dance. Dance is the best) Plus with all of that dancing, you will forget that you are actually exercising. You’ll be too distracted with all the fun you are having!
4. Fear is actually your friend here.
Starting to dance later on may be daunting and overwhelming, you might be scared because you feel like you are not that good of a dancer, you’re too far behind everyone else and you will never be able to catch up, or it’s too late for you to learn. Well I’m here to tell you that fear is actually a good thing—it means that you want it enough to push yourself to get outside of your comfort zone. All of the reasons why you shouldn’t go are all the reasons why you should; stop psyching yourself out, you are enough, you are worthy of learning, and you will get the hang of it. So much so that once you do go you will be so happy that you did and you following your dreams of dancing isn’t so far out of reach!
5. Never too late to make some friends
It is never too late to start making some friends—and dance class is a great place to do so; but going to your first dance class can be scary. Many others will be experiencing the same thing you are. However, a simple “hello” can help someone feel less anxious (even if that some is you). After making one friend the next class won’t seem as scary. Over time you will end up being friends with others resulting in a little dance community of your own.
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In the heart of it all, everyone can dance at any age, time, location as long as you want to, you can! Dance really has no limits to anything, as long as it makes you happy dance will welcome you will open arms. If you are interested in starting your dancing journey be sure to check out what the STUArts dance community has in store with our Everybody Can Dance classes here. We hope to see you out there at our next class!