Local ExerciseDance classes provide the opportunity to learn a specific style of dance from a trained instructor, while gaining the benefits of moving your body in time to the music.
We have teamed up with dance instructors offering classes to suit beginners, experts and any level in between.
…can be varied and therefore picking one that suits you best is very important (or try a range and experience the benefits of different styles!). However, most classes will involve a highly skilled dance instructor leading you and a class of others through a series of steps. They will display them for you and then you will mirror them either individually or with a partner.
The best part of a dance class is that you get to exercise along to some great music!
Dance classes come in all different styles. From high-tempo dances to more relaxed (but just as impressive) styles . There’s sure to be a style of dance for you! Take a look at the types of dance classes you could be taking part in and see if any appeal to you
Zumba takes its inspiration from latin and other global dance styles. It blends various exercise intensities to give a high intensity workout with opportunities for recovery. An instructor will lead you and a class of like-minded dancers through a programme of pulse-raising dance moves in times to energetic music.
A blend of Cuban inspired ballroom dance where two partners complete a combination of steps in time to up-beat Latin music. The speed of movement will provide an aerobic workout whilst the hip and leg work will work your core as you stabilise your body.
A Jazzercise instructor will lead you and your class through a series of high-paced movements. These will incorporate elements of yoga, Pilates, strength exercises and kick boxing. It’s therefore a fantastic holistic workout, developing your aerobic capacity as well as strength and body tone. Perfect for those who love to be put through their paces in an energetic setting.
The ultimate core muscle workout! Performing a series of movements whilst climbing, lowering yourself and defying gravity on the pole will give your muscles an unbelievable workout. Expect to develop your muscle strength and tone as well as muscular endurance – allowing you to workout for longer.
An elegant style of dance performed with a partner. You will both perform a series of steps with one partner leading and the other following. There are various styles of ballroom dance including the waltz, cha cha, swing, rumba and foxtrot. Each has it’s own style and rhythm, giving ballroom a great variety.
An up-tempo style of street dance which is performed to hip hop music. Taking its influence from break dancing, hip hop dance has evolved to include many other forms of freestyle dancing which has developed from funk and hip hop culture since the 1970’s.
A slower pace to other dance classes, but no less challenging or rewarding. Barre takes its inspiration from ballet and incorporates elements of yoga and Pilates. Therefore, it relies on more refined movements which are held for extended periods of time. This will allow you to develop your muscular endurance as well as flexibility as you hold your limbs in extended positions.
The group nature of dance classes provides the perfect opportunity to interact with others. Some dance classes will involve dancing with a partner which will give you the chance to get to know a lot of the other people in the class. As a result, social well-being can be dramatically improved, as you look forward to meeting up with the class each week.
You’ll be performing long series of different dance moves, really putting your legs to the test. This will develop your muscular endurance as your muscles fibres adapt and become more efficient at utilising the available energy.
As a result, you’ll be able to hold off fatigue for longer and perform physical activities for extended periods of time.
A number of dance moves are performed in extended positions near your full range of movement. This is particularly relevant in classes which incorporate elements of yoga and Pilates. This will develop your range of motion, making it easier to perform activities which require stretching. It will also reduce your risk of injury when reaching for things.
Performing dynamic movements will greatly improve your balance as you improve your core strength and neuromuscular control – allowing you to make micro-adjustments to your body position. This will be great for your dancing and also reduce the risk of experiencing trips and falls in your everyday life.
The impact of dancing will lead to adaptations in the bone which result in a greater bone density. The impact will cause micro-damage which will encourage the body to increase osteoclast and osteoblast activity. This will result in the removal of old bone and the development of new bone, thus reducing your risk of suffering low impact fractures.
Dance classes will require you to make numerous adjustments to your body position in order to maintain balance. All of this movement will develop your core muscles as they provide a base for the movement of your limbs as you perform your impressive dance moves.
Dance classes usually take place in a studio and they are led by an experienced and talented dance instructor. They will lead you and others in your group through a series of steps and exercises which are appropriate for you level of experience. Classes usually last from 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Dance classes are suitable for everyone but instructors are likely to offer different classes for different levels of experience. It’s therefore best to find out from the instructor which class will be most suitable for you.
There are numerous health and fitness related reasons (as listed above) but most of all, you will have a fantastic time! Learning a new skill or developing your skills further will give you a great sense of accomplishments and really impress your friends and family.
Some equipment may be required but this will depend on the type of dance you are taking part in. For example pointe shoes may be required for a barre class or dance shoes may be required for ballroom and salsa classes. As always, your instructor will be able to provide more detailed information when you book your first class.
Prices will vary greatly between instructor and dance style. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay £10-15 for a lesson but you will often book your classes in blocks.
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