Dance is traditionally seen as a young person's game but the rise in dance classes for adults means the landscape is changing for those who want to dance as a hobby. MyCharleston run dance classes for adults and we are passionate about giving people a positive experience of dance whatever their age or level. We spoke to two of our Charleston dancers about their views on taking up dance later on in life.
Diana took ballet lessons throughout her childhood but gave up when she was eighteen. She decided to go back to dance in her forties, having seen the Charleston on 'Strictly'.
“You're never too old to start dancing and the wonderful thing about the Charleston is that it’s an individual dance. It doesn’t matter if you're a beginner or more advanced because you can work at your own pace. The basics of Charleston are actually very simple; step forward and tap, step back and tap and you're doing the Charleston! You can gradually build on those nice simple elements. I think it’s a dance you don’t have to be afraid of, it’s not a scary type of dance at all”
Patricia comes from a family where music and dance were very much a part of home life. However it wasn’t until she was in her forties that she started dance classes.
”I think dancing at any age is so beneficial. It's wonderful. Coming to class is lovely - we’re all different ages, everybody’s just getting what they want from it and working at their own ability. It’s something that I love doing and something everyone can benefit from. I hate the gym - it’s not for me I did try it and was thoroughly bored. I think dancing at any age is wonderful”
The average age in our dance classes is mid-forties and the age range is from eighteen all the way up to eighty. As teachers, we find age isn’t a barrier to learning dance, if anything the older you are the more relaxed you are about making mistakes and just giving it a go. Young or old, the enjoyment and benefits of dancing are the same for everyone.
Diana said ”I love it, it’s so incredibly good for you it improves your flexibility, your strength, your heart and your brain. For me the biggest benefit of dancing is having fun. To move to music is just so much more fun than going to the gym or running. You almost get the benefit without realising it because you're concentrating on getting the steps and listening to the music and your teachers instructions. In class you suddenly realise you’re really sweating, short of breath and you’ve had all this exercise without it being such a big deal or too serious”.
Dance works on all planes of movement, making it a complete body and mind workout. The coordinated and rhythmic movements help keep the brain young too. Diana says:
“The benefit for the brain is wonderful because remembering the routines is quite a challenge and it’s so satisfying when you do remember it and you get it right and maddening when you do it wrong, so I really enjoy it from that point of view”.
The dance classes we run are friendly, relaxed and the emphasis is always on having fun. There are many people who love dance but have never attended a class. As adults, there are limited opportunities to just let go and move to music. Choosing dance as a hobby is a great way of keeping fit, socialising and learning a new skill.
Patricia recommends to anyone who is thinking of taking up dance
“Just give it a go, if you love dancing and you love music, just try it. People are really welcoming especially if they come to our classes and you’ll just get hooked as I have with Charleston. It's fantastic”
So is there an age when a dancer has to hang up her shoes? I asked Diana how long she expects to keep dancing.
”I hope to be the oldest women Charlestoning in the world! I feel great and of course the more you do the better you feel. It’s lovely to have your new Charleston buddies, there is a really nice mix of ages in the class. So yeah, I’ll just keep dancing as long as the legs will take it”.
To find our a local class with us, click here