Ballroom Dancing as therapy

SumoRunner · Dec 14, 2006

This morning on NPR radio I heard a piece about ballroom dancing as therapy for heart patients. Sounds like it could be a good idea. Here's the link.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6622283

Wise · Dec 14, 2006

I also heard about this story, I think on Fox & Friends. My wife and I had in the past considered ballroom dancing. After seeing a little bit of "Dancing With The Stars" I thought that maybe not; a little too difficult looking. I have a feeling that us normal people wouldn't have to learn the more daunting stuff? I definitely won't be twirling my wife on the floor, not to mention above my head

!!!

Marguerite53 · Dec 14, 2006

Sounds like fun!! Now if I just had the time.

For me, I've added some dance to my meager exercise program. I use my iTunes account, download or copy great old rock'n'roll dance songs...set them up from slow to fast and back to slow....use up about 45 minutes so I can warm up and stretch at the end. I crank it up when I can't find time to go to the gym but still want some semblance of aerobic exercise. I'm sure you could do the same thing with country music. The best part is, you're in the privacy of your own space and....no one has to watch you dance!!!

Marguerite

SumoRunner · Dec 14, 2006

Well, of course you don't have to be a professional football player to dance. I just had visions of all the women hereabouts telling their hubbies, "It's a medical emergency, you have to take me out dancing, now!" I dunno, would that work?

hensylee · Dec 14, 2006

BALLROOM DANCING is good for anything that ails you. When you hear the first note and your foot taps you are getting therapy. I love all of it. My dear Joe taught me everything I know back when I was 50. He was a New Yorker and danced to all those bands when he was about 8. His cousins made him go so they'd have a partner and they taught him. He was the best dancer - you can do it, too. Do try - for me, because I can't do it anymore. I promise you will love it, get exercise, sometimes a bit of romance, some social activity...........

Square dancing is also good. It is simply walking to the beat of the music to the direction of the caller (singer). He/she just tells you what the next movement is. In the course of an evening you will walk about 2 - 3 miles. Round dancing, too.

I get excited about it all just typing this.

Wise · Dec 15, 2006

hensylee said:
BALLROOM DANCING is good for anything that ails you. When you hear the first note and your foot taps you are getting therapy. I love all of it. My dear Joe taught me everything I know back when I was 50. He was a New Yorker and danced to all those bands when he was about 8. His cousins made him go so they'd have a partner and they taught him. He was the best dancer - you can do it, too. Do try - for me, because I can't do it anymore. I promise you will love it, get exercise, sometimes a bit of romance, some social activity...........

Square dancing is also good. It is simply walking to the beat of the music to the direction of the caller (singer). He/she just tells you what the next movement is. In the course of an evening you will walk about 2 - 3 miles. Round dancing, too.

I get excited about it all just typing this.

Ann, I appreciated you sharing this about you and your husband. Good memories! We may just strongly consider looking into Ballroom Dancing. I wonder if a guide dog can learn it too?