Dancing has so many benefits it's not hard to understand why it continues to grow in popularity. Some of the known benefits to dancing include: cardiovascular fitness, better posture and balance, increased confidence due to mastering new skills, fun recreation, socialization, and improved mental ability from exercising your brain learning new steps. Dancing is a great option for people who normally hate exercise or gyms.

So what's stopping everyone out there from putting on their dancing shoes?

To a newcomer or beginner, dancing may look intimidating or challenging. To banish your doubts and help you get your feet a tapping, here are some tips to get you started.

  • Get some dance videos or rent some dance dvd's from your local library. Watch and learn about the different dance styles, and decide which style would be a good match for yourself. Maybe it's classical, graceful ballroom dancing, or maybe you're nostalgic for the old swing style, or maybe it's the sexy latin dancing styles. Whether you want a slower pace or faster dance, there's a dance style out there for you.
  • After you've decided which style you wish to learn, it's time to check out what classes are offered locally. Look through your phone book, search online for studios or find out if your local ywca or college offers classes. Make yourself a little list and call some instructors. Let them know you're thinking of learning dancing and would like to sit in on a class. By doing this you'll get a feel for how the classes are structured, the instructors teaching ability, and how students are enjoying themselves. Which school feels like the right fit for you?
  • If you're still feeling intimidated, why not join with a buddy? The two of you can laugh afterwards about all the toes you stepped on. Remember to laugh at yourself and just have fun. If you're going by yourself, don't worry about not bringing your own partner, it's usually best to rotate partners anyway and get used to dancing with different people.
  • Another thing to consider is whether you wish to have private lessons or join a group dance class. This is really a personal preference; while you may feel more comfortable with one-on-one instruction, you might miss out on the fun of learning with other beginners. You'll also need to consider your budget as private lessons generally cost more.
  • As far as dance clothing, ask the instructor what would be appropriate for the dance style you have chosen to learn. Also look at what the other students are wearing to get some ideas on comfortable clothing suitable to practice in. Try to avoid wearing your gym running shoes to class although. The rubber soles will prevent you from doing some of the graceful sliding or turning movements. (Also take it from experience, beginners should avoid open toe shoes, unless you enjoy being stepped on). Capezio dance shoes are a popular shoe for dancing.
  • Remember give yourself a chance and stay positive. Don't forget at one time you were struggling trying to learn to just stand up and walk. Practice makes perfect and your body will eventually get muscle memory which will help movements become more natural and fluid.
  • Stay motivated and keep at it! This can be hard for some people especially if you have a stressful workday or home life. Dancing should be a time for you to enjoy yourself and feel alive and active. If you need some extra motivation watch one of the new dance competition tv shows. Here you'll see people who have a love for this art form. Sometimes just seeing the positive energy in someone else it may rub off on you and be enough to get you going again.
  • Remember practice makes perfect, but who says you need to be perfect?
  • Have fun!