It is said by many that Americans are overworked. There are numerous studies and articles on the connections between poor health and stress because many believe that there is a direct correlation. You may not be able to stop being overworked at the moment, but if you are stressed there are some measures you can take to help alleviate that stress. Get rest, eat well, take your vacation time when you have it, and take dance class for stress relief.

Different types of dance have been used as part of physical and mental therapy for years. Whether or not it is doctor-recommended depends upon your own physician. However, if you are in sound enough physical condition for dancing, according to your doctor, then dance could easily become one of your outlets for stress relief.

Develop Your Exercise Routine

Being overworked also means that most people don’t get enough exercise. They are often too exhausted after a long day of work to try, even if they could find the time. It is an essential part of good health, however, and it must be done. The fact that it’s necessary often doesn’t help motivate people to do it. What may motivate people, however, is having something interesting to do.

Dance makes a great part of many exercise routines because it’s a break from the norm. When running is simply too much, or you are lacking in any interest to get you motivated, look to dance as something to get you up. Music is part of what makes dance interesting enough to get even the most stressed person moving. Music and the movement that comes with it are well-known for their abilities to help people relax.

Distract Your Mind

One of the causes of stress, or perhaps the continuation of it, is the mind. When you’re overworked and tired, you have little control over when your mind runs with the lists of things that need to be done, things that you should have done, things you wish you had done differently, etc. It’s all very overwhelming and stressful. To get past it and reduce stress, you need a distraction. That is where dance class comes in.

Focus on your feet; your brain uses its power to help you and your body memorize those steps. Add your posture and the movement of the rest of your body to the mix. That complexity will keep your mind focused. Before you know it, you’re no longer stressed. You’re learning, exercising your body and mind, dancing, enjoying the music, and leaving that stressful world behind.

Take a dance class for stress relief. We believe in the power of dance at Dance Passion Studio, and we’re happy to help you leave that stress behind. Come dance with us.

Some people learn a dance very early in life. There are still many places and families in which knowing how to dance a little is commonplace. That doesn’t mean that every adult knows how to dance, or that every adult is good at it. It also doesn’t meant that others can’t learn, or won’t enjoy it. There is something in dance class for everyone, and it is never too late to try and learn. If you’re an adult, you should try a dance class, whether you learned to dance when you were young, or not.

Learning Something New

There comes a time in most adults’ lives when they begin to feel like it’s too late to learn certain things. This is particularly true if those things are physical activities. Dance isn’t one of those things that you have to leave behind you when you become an adult.

There is never a wrong time to learn how to dance. You don’t have to become a professional, and there are so many types of dance out there from which you can choose that you can easily find something suited to your activity level. You are perfectly capable of learning something new, and never too old to enjoy what learning to dance has to offer.

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

As we grow into adulthood, we sometimes find a comfort zone and remain there. We develop a life, friends, routines, and don’t often venture outside them. There are many benefits, however, to shaking things up and getting out of that comfort zone.

If going to a social occasion like a dance class to learn while surrounded by other people is something you wouldn’t normally do, then you should try it. You could be very surprised by how much you benefit from meeting new people, learning a new activity, and of working through the initial discomfort you might feel. You just might enjoy yourself.

We don’t just want you to dance at Dance Passion Studio; we want you to get so much more out of the joy that is learning to move. Try a dance class. Even as an adult there is so much waiting for you here.

Dance is fun for everyone, but it does not always come easy for everyone. That means that plenty of people find themselves in need of some extra classes. In fact, some people may be asking themselves the question, “Should I repeat a dance class?”

It is perfectly okay to repeat a dance class.

You may feel a little awkward about the answer to that question, but rest assured you are not alone in wondering if a repeat course would benefit you. There are many potential reasons to repeat a dance class. Perhaps you simply did not catch on the first time around, and while you certainly got better, you still have much to learn before you feel secure doing the dance on your own. Or, maybe you were not able to take as many classes as you wanted, or needed the first time around, and so taking the course again would be helpful. Whatever the reason, there is no reason to feel badly about taking the course again if you want or need it. After all, our goal is to become good dancers and it is important to have a solid foundation from which to build.

Your teacher can help.

If you’re wondering whether it would be worth repeating a dance class, ask your teacher. Your teacher knows your situation, and can make the best recommendation for you. In fact, you may find that you simply need a touch more confidence, and that you’ve learned more than you initially thought. Your teacher may also suggest that you try a few private lessons, rather than taking the class again. Trust your teacher’s advice on the matter.

It could be fun.

Of course, you could repeat a dance class with no other reason that you enjoyed it. Dance classes have many benefits—exercise, social interaction, something to break up monotony, etc. If you find yourself disappointed at the thought of the class being over, consider taking it again. You may be able to take a more advanced version, or a different type of dance, too. However, if what you really want is to take the same class again, why not?

At Dance Passion Studio, we’ll happily advise you on the best course of action for you, whether it be to repeat a class, move to a higher level, or take private lessons.

A lot of people begin taking dance classes because they have never done so before.  However, not everyone is a beginner. There are many, many possible levels of dance knowledge and ability. If you want to take dance classes and you’re wondering at what level you need to begin, consider a few things.

Beginners

Some people have never, ever taken one step toward trying to dance. These people are clearly ready to start in beginner classes.  In the beginner classes, we start with the basics as though you don’t know anything, then move along quickly adding new steps. So, this is the perfect level for you.

However, even those who have attempted dance before might still benefit from beginner classes. For example, if you have taken dance before, but if it has been several years since you have danced then it may be a good idea to start with beginner classes. The beginner classes are a great way to get a refresher course of your basic steps before moving up to higher level classes with more challenging steps. Or, for those of you who learned in a very informal setting—for instance a friend taught you—then a beginner classes will give you some of those more formal tips you probably missed that could improve your skills.

Because of this, it is well-worth considering a beginner level course if you’re uncertain about your knowledge and ability at all.

Experienced Dancers

Of course, there are those who may feel more confident in their abilities. Someone who learned a dance more recently might be able to jump directly into an upper level class.

Some people are also more confident in their ability to pick things up quickly. If you feel or know that you have a history of, or natural gift for learning things like dance steps swiftly, then you may be ready to start in a higher-level class.

Even if you think you’re ready for a pre-intermediate course, or anything other than a beginner course, you may still wonder what level would be best for you. If questions and uncertainties are still bothering you, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to help you figure out where the best starting point is for you. Keep in mind that, sometimes, with experienced dancers the only way to know for sure is to sign up for a class level you feel would be best, then we can always move you up or down a level if the class is too easy, or too difficult.  Another option for experienced dancers is to take a private lesson to refresh their basic steps, and to determine the best level in which to start.

If you go to Dance Passion Studio’s website on the class schedule page, you can find course descriptions to give you a better idea of what to expect in our dance classes. Of course, if you still have questions, you can always contact us. We are happy to answer them for you and to have you in any of our classes.

Have your outings and get-togethers with the girls gone stale, lately? Are you falling back on the same old ideas—movies, drinks, and dinners at the same places? If it’s time to shake things up with friends, dance classes are the perfect places to shake in general and you can turn them into the perfect girls’ night out.

It Suits Your Schedule

It isn’t always easy finding time for your friends. However, when you are learning something new and exciting, everyone is motivated to find the time. So, when you need a change, dance classes can be just what you and your friends are looking for. They are as flexible as you need them to be. If you go out with the girls on an evening during the week, you can probably find a class then. If you get away together on the weekends, you can take classes then, too. Whatever your normal time to meet up, you can probably find a course.

Even if your schedules change, and so your time together does, too, dance is accommodating enough for that, as well. When you call, e-mail, and text to arrange your next outing, just include the dance schedule. Together, you can narrow down the best times according to the schedule of classes. You may find it helps you decide on a time.

Arrange Something Special

Every now and then, you may want to go out and do something arranged just for you and your friends—something reserved for only your attendance. This is possible with private lessons. They’re not for singles only. If you and your handful of female friends want to have a private lesson, just ask. It is also a great way to make the activity fit into your schedules.

Make a Plan to Use Your Skills

What purpose might a group of friends have to take dance lessons together? Other than doing something different and having fun, you can find any number of reasons to do so. Form a plan. Together, you can find or create a future event that calls for dancing. Choose a club, dance event, or party. Or, plan a party yourselves. Then, choose the dance. Take classes and lessons and have fun learning together. Then, when the time comes, take those skills and use them. Dance a night away at the club. Attend a dance event and participate, maybe even compete. Throw a party, invite more friends, and show off what you’ve been learning. There are plenty of possibilities.

You can all plan to wow your husbands and partners. Perhaps you all wish you had more chances and reasons to dance with your significant others. So, take lessons together. Not only do you spend fun time together, but you also do something to potentially benefit your other relationships. You could even invite your partners along.

Let us be part of your next girls’ night. Come learn to dance together at Dance Passion Studio.

Misconceptions and myths abound about many things, including dance classes. Some myths are pervasive enough to keep people from taking dance classes, which keeps them from potentially fun, useful experiences. Here are some of the myths that need dispelling:

“I don’t have natural talent and learning to dance will take too long.”

No one inherently knows how to dance. Professionals have to learn, too, and while they might have a natural inclination, those without that inclination can learn, as well. They can do so in as much or as little time has they want, or have. Don’t let fear that you’ll struggle stop you; you can conquer dance when you want, if you try.

“Lessons are just too expensive.”

You can take as many, or as few classes as you want, or can afford. There are also plenty of specials and offers to be had. These things add up to affordable dance classes. At Dance Passion Studio, we do our best to make sure you can afford dance classes with us because we want you to enjoy dance as much as we do. So, before you decide not to pursue dance classes because of cost, talk to us. We offer very inexpensive classes at $50 per month–$12.50 per class–or private lessons, for which you can pay as you go. We also have package discounts.

“I need a partner and I don’t have one.”

Having a partner whom you know in dance class is nice, but it’s not necessary. You can find a partner in class. In fact, you may find that you make new friends, or at least friendly acquaintances. You won’t be alone, either. There are plenty of people just like you, who will need a partner in class. Plus, once you start dancing, you and everyone around you will have a great time learning and concerns like having a partner no longer seem important.

Find out for yourself just how great dance classes can be. Visit Dance Passion Studio.

If you have decided to take a dance class for the first time, it is natural to feel a little nervous. Perhaps you are so because you feel you don’t know how to dance well enough already, you’re concerned about being in a class with other people, or you don’t generally know what to expect, or how to prepare. However, you’re not alone; there will be plenty of people in your class who are either first-timers, or still learning. In fact, the majority of dancers in a class have never danced before, and so, at Dance Passion Studio, we begin the class as though no one knows anything. Just take a deep breath, and try these things to prepare for your first dance class.

Know Your Goal: Consider why you chose to do this in the first place. Did you want to learn to dance? Did you need a more interesting source of exercise? Did you need a social activity to help get you out of the house? Focus on your wants and needs, and remind yourself not to worry about the others in the class. Concentrate on getting the most out of the class for which you paid good money.

Comfortable Gear:  Wear shoes that rotate on the floor (flats, normal shoes, dance shoes), but avoid open-back shoes and tennis shoes, and, of course, very high heels and stilettos.  Ultimately, make sure you’re comfortable in your clothing and that it’s something in which you feel you can move easily.

Stretch it Out: It’s always a good idea to stretch before any physical activity, even if it’s just light stretching. There is no harm in feeling a little extra loose. Also, stretching and focusing on deep, calming breaths—like yoga—is a very good way to prepare your mind, as well as your body, through relaxation.

Finally, if you still find yourself feeling a little anxious, it never hurts to bring a friend, family member, or coworker to share in the experience. Also, it’s always a good idea to check the directions and leave a little early to be certain you get to class on time, and maybe a little early so you can take a moment before class to breathe and relax. Just remember that everyone in the class is, or has been, in your situation at some time. Remember why you’re there, dress comfortably, stretch, breathe, and get ready to dance it out with us at Dance Passion Studio.