Sandy Kiyomura
Have you ever watched “Dancing with the Stars” and thought that you would like to dance? You don’t have to be a star to dance. This is something anyone can do (whether there’s snow or not). When I ask friends if they would like to learn to dance, the two answers I get most are “I don’t have a partner” and “I have two left feet”. My response is: “I will find you a partner because we rotate partners” and “I have people with two right feet!” If you can walk, you can dance. In fact, they have “adaptive dancing” for people with disabilities. I have taught people who are visually impaired and they are often better than “normal” people.
I have been dancing for about ten years and teaching for seven. I find that dancing is not only a physical activity, but it strengthens the mind and it’s good for the soul. My mother had Alzheimer’s disease and that is my greatest fear. Ballroom dancing is the only physical activity which has been shown to ward off dementia. Here’s a study that says that dancing makes you smarter and increases cognitive acuity. https://socialdance.stanford.edu/syllabi/smarter.htm
When I first started dancing, I had trouble remembering the steps. I took lessons and still couldn’t remember. So I decided to enroll in the Ballroom Dance Teacher’s College where I studied for 16 months and learned to teach 17 dances. My personal experience has taught me that when I teach, I become more proficient. Over time, my memory improved and now I can dance 20 to 30 patterns around the room. In addition, the physical and social benefits are great. Where else can you pay as little as $5 and meet people, dance to great music and feel energized? Many of my friends have made dancing part of their life. They are in better shape and look like healthier and happier people.
In summary, dancing can expand your social circle. It is uplifting and fun, helps you get fit and improves your self-confidence. https://www.ballroomdance.co/benefits-of-ballroom-dancing/
If you would like an introduction (free for first class), come to the Mastick Senior Center in Alameda. I teach every Wednesday from 1-2 PM.
