Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham

[fredastairedancedurham-blog]

Ten Essential Tips For Social Dancing Etiquette

If you are new to dancing you might be unaware of the unspoken rules of dance etiquette. Whether the style of dance is ballroom, swing, latin, or even dancing at a wedding, dance can be a socially intimate activity and you must know proper manners, courtesies, and how to maneuver the dance floor. With these tips, experienced dancers or those stepping out on the dance floor for the first time will be able to stay calm, cool, and will be less socially awkward.

Etiquette For Social Dancing

Positive Encouragement

Always reassure your dance partner. Your partner may lack confidence in their dance skills. Give encouragement, rather than criticism.

Smile

Never forget to smile! Smiles are contagious and can make everyone on the dance floor feel better.

Be Considerate

Consideration of others is very important on the dance floor. You and your dance partner aren’t the only ones on the dance floor. Try not to swing your elbows or steer your partner wildly across the floor.

Don’t Be a Showoff

Never attempt to perform stunts that can bring unnecessary attention such as tricks, dips, lifts or any other dance that can be considered dangerous to yourself or others.

Start Out Simple

If you are in doubt of your dance partner’s skill level, start out with a simple dance move such as the foxtrot.

Be Apologetic

It happens to everyone, even to those that have been dancing for years. Stepping on other dancer’s feet and bumping to others is a normal part of social dancing. A polite apology goes a long way.

Be Thankful

At the end of each dance you should thank your dance partner. They will appreciate your gratitude and be more apt to accept your invitation to dance again.

Equality in Dancing

There are no rules in social dancing stating that a male must ask a female to dance.

It’s Ok To Say No

You don’t have to accept every invitation to dance. If you choose to decline a dance, do so with a smile. Be polite and perhaps offer to dance at a later time.

Have Variety

Dance with a variety of dancers and dance a variety of different dances. Even if their skill set is greater than yours, perhaps you can learn something new.

From the moment your dance partner accepts your invite to dance till you take their hand and guide them off the dance floor, these social dancing etiquette tips will be helpful. The most important thing you should always remember is to

Have Fun and Dance!

[fredastairedancedurham-blog]

Do You Have a Fear of Dancing?

Phobias

We all have had a fear of something. Perhaps it was one of the common phobias that people suffer from such as arachnophobia or claustrophobia. There is a lesser known phobia that is more common than you think.

Chorophobia

Defined as an irrational fear of dancing. From the Greek translation, “Choro” means dance. The condition occurs when someone is extremely uncomfortable at the thought of dancing.

Causes of Chorophobia

Distressful Events

An embarrassing event or other traumatic occasions could be the cause of one’s fear

Triggered by Other Phobias

Other fears such as the fear of being touched and being in public places could enhance the intensity of chorophobia

Depression

Depression has been linked to many mental illnesses to include phobias.

Upbringing

Fear of dance could be explained by a person’s upbringing. If a child has been brought up in a strict household and has been prohibited from dancing. Or religious organizations may prohibit the practice of dancing.

Symptoms of ChorophobiaPanic Attacks

A panic attack is caused by intense fear or discomfort and reache it peak within minutes. Some of the signs of a panic attack are:

increased heart rate

excessive sweating

shaking

shortness of breath

Isolation in Social Situations

One that suffers from chorophobia may separate themselves from others.

Avoiding Places of Dance

For a person that is fearful of dance, going to places such weddings, parties, nightclubs, or other places that often encourage dancing can be very stressful and choose to avoid those places.

Aggressive When Asked to Dance

In extreme cases of chorophobia, a person’s behavior can be erraditc when put under too much stress.

Treatment of ChorophobiaPsychotherapy

The purpose of psychotherapy is to improve mental health and well being by resolving troublesome behavior, compulsions, emotions, and thoughts. Two common treatments that psychotherapists use are hypnotherapy and exposure therapy.

Hypnosis

Psychologists use hypnotherapy to open up and awaken the subconscious mind for the intention of changing behavior patterns. The therapist may be able to find the specific issue triggering the fear of dancing. It is considered as a safe and fast form of therapy for phobias.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure Therapy helps break the pattern of fear and aversion. In this style of psychotherapy, psychologists create a safe environment to expose the individuals to the things that are feared.

Medications

Medicine can be prescribed but they are used to help alleviate the symptoms and can not cure the phobia. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety are common medications prescribed to help balance out one’s serotonin levels.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham, we offer dance lessons and classes for all skill levels. Our dance instructors offer private dance lessons to help you overcome your fear of dancing. Please call our Durham dance studio at [phone]or fill out the contact form for more information and to schedule your lesson.

[fredastairedancedurham-blog]

How To Lower Your Cholesterol with Ballroom Dancing

Has your doctor recently told you that you have high cholesterol? If so, don’t be alarmed. You aren’t alone. In fact, 32% of Americans have high cholesterol. You might have already asked yourself some of these frequently asked questions about high cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?

According to the Mayo clinic, cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the fat cells in your blood.

Why is High Cholesterol Bad for You?

With high cholesterol, fatty deposits are developed in your blood vessels. These deposits make it hard for for blood to flow through your veins to your arteries. Having high cholesterol gives you an increased risk of a heart attack and may cause a stroke.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Poor DietDiabetesSmokingObesityLack of Exercise

How Can I Lower My Cholesterol?

Diet – Low salt diet which includes, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.Quit SmokingMaintain a Healthy WeightDrink Alcohol in ModerationExercise – It is recommended that you should get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

But perhaps a traditional diet and exercise isn’t for you.

This is where we come in. We’ll explain how ballroom dancing can help lower your cholesterol.

Because ballroom dancing is an activity with high engagement both physically and mentally. It allows you to recharge and refresh your mind, body and soul. Dancing is a great way for people of all ages, sizes and shapes to get and stay fit.

Studies have shown that ballroom dancing on a regular basis may reduce stress, risks of heart disease, strokes, helps burn calories to shed those extra pounds and of course, helps to lower cholesterol.

Are you ready to lower your cholesterol… the fun way?

Before you start waltzing away, you should consult with your physician for a check-up and to ask if dancing is right for you. We also recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, drink plenty of water and to stretch properly before attempting any dance routine.

Stay Motivated and Start Dancing

We offer private dance lessons but also dancing with others in a group class can be great for your motivation. Call our Durham dance studio at [phone] or fill out the form below to schedule your dance lesson and to start lowering your cholesterol.

[fredastairedancedurham-blog]

3 Ways Grandparents Can Benefit From Dancing

National Grandparents Day will soon be here. Grandparents Day has been in existence since 1978. It has evolved over the years, but originally the holiday was coined by former U.S. president, Jimmy Carter as a way to educate the youth about the important contributions senior citizens have provided to our communities. In the United States it is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September. Some countries honor their Grandparents on different months and days.

What do you get your Grandmother or Grandfather for Grandparents day?

Your Grandmother and Grandfather have always been there for you. There is always a great story to be shared about how different life was when they were growing up, usually while sharing fresh homemade cookies. But what are some great gift ideas for the grandparent in your life?

Handmade Card

Flowers

Jewelry

Shirt or Hat that says #1 Grandparent

While all those gifts are cute, thoughtful, and clever. It has all been way overdone.

Why not get them something that they will love not just now but for years to come. Get them a gift that they can actually benefit from.

Give Your Grandparents The Gift of Dance

These days dancing is not just for young people. Take a look into any activity center or Fred Astaire Dance Studio, you’ll see groups of all ages learning social dances such as ballroom, latin, or swing.

Some of the benefits of dancing for seniors include:

Mental Acuity

being defined as the sharpness of one’s mind. Mental acuity helps shape focus, empathy, concentration, and memory. Dancing such styles as ballroom dancing or even swing dancing may increases the activity in your brain by helping you think about each dance step as you move across the dance floor.

Social Connections

No matter the age, dancing is a great way to interact with your peers. Professional studies and research have shown that social dancing has vastly improved many social skills within the senior citizen community. With better communication skills, confidence, and more involved in the community, You will be able to quickly see why dancing lifts spirits and increases positive feelings. Open new social doorways for your grandparents by giving them a way to mix, meet and mingle with other like minded adults in a low pressure atmosphere.

Physical Well Being

Dancing is an excellent form of exercise. As your grandparent ages, muscle mass is lost, balance and coordination can be a bit clumsy. Attending social dance classes can help us feel younger. Studies have shown that dancing has improved motor skills, straightened one’s posture, burn calories, and has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. With dance lessons and attending our practice parties, your grandparent will be slowing down the aging process in no time.

Do something different for your Grandparent this Grandparents Day. Show them how much you care and that you appreciate them with the gift of dance. Contact us today by calling our Durham dance studio at 919-489-4313 or by filling out the contact form below to get your grandparent a gift certificate for dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham.