Dance
Dance can make an enormous contribution to a woman’s physical, emotional and subconscious well-being.
What other activity is there that can be enjoyed regardless of age or background, with no experience or training, whatever your shape or size, as part of a group or alone, that is so much fun?
A light bulb moment for me came when I watched the performances of several different dance troupes at two festivals.
I was struck by the fact that I had never seen women smiling so effortlessly for such a long period of time, with so much joy.
Women of all ages were dancing together, smiling their heads off.
They were clearly having a euphoric experience.
At the end of the day my jaw was sore from smiling, just from watching them.
The following clip shows a group of women perfroming a gypsy dance.
When weaning myself off the antidepressants dance was an integral part of my coping mechanisms.
I made it a rule that no time of day or might was inappropriate for dancing, and put no silly standards on how I was supposed to move or look.
I collected my favourite music, invested in a decent stereo and went out of my way to dance at any opportunity. The mum below is a good example of what I'm talking about.
Just recently I joined a bellydancing and tribal dancing group and the experience has been indescribable.
Dance really is a natural high that should be experienced by every woman on a daily basis.
A lot of the reasons that might stop a woman trying something different fade into the distance when the benefits are experienced.
Have a look at the this couple who won the Australian edition of Dancing with the Stars. Kate Ceberano is a singer, not a trained dancer, but she still managed to win the competition with her gorgeous partner and show us how accessible and how much fun dancing can be.
Physical benefits
Cardiovascular Conditioning
In half an hour you can burn from 200 - 400 calories, as many as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. One example of how the energy burned seems to add up so quickly, is where an experiment was carried out with pedometers attached to square dancers; and it was found each person covered nearly five miles in a single evening! The metabolism is definitely boosted!
We already know that regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and an improved cholesterol profile. Furthermore most doctors typically recommend 30 to 40 minutes of continuous activity three to four times a week.
Of course the degree of cardiovascular conditioning depends on how long you dance for, how energetically you dance and how may times a week you dance.
Ever since the International Olympic Committee gave ballroom dancing provisional recognition, it has been getting a lot of attention as a true athletic activity. One look at the fitness level and physiques of professional ballroom competitors, trainers and dance teachers is proof of its virtues.
"Ballroom dance is a rigorous activity that uses the larger muscle groups, and is usually done over the course of an hour, or an entire evening," said George B. Theiss, President of Arthur Murray International. "It's most frequently compared to ice dancing, and no one would question the athletic ability of an ice skater. Since we work without gliding across ice, it's possible that a competitive ballroom dancer might even be in better shape than a figure skater.
Who could forget the movie Strictly Ballroom which showcases beautifully how dancing can be so many things at once; including fitness.
Strong muscles and bones
The many varied side-to-side movements which are integral to many dances lend themselves to strengthening the weight bearing bones such as the tibia, fibula and femur.
Due to the repetitive twisting turning and weight-bearing type moves, bone density can be protected (osteoporosis) without the pain and resistance associated with other weight-bearing activities such as hand weight lifting.
This effect is underpinned by a lovely toning of the key muscles groups. Who amongst us has not admired the toned body of a great dancer? You will use muscles that you don’t normally use and therefore experience a new toning effect that you might not have experienced.
Rehabilitation and adaptability to different fitness levels
For those recovering from surgery or a physically related health scare, movement needs to be a part of your rehabilitation.
Dancing can be a positive and fun alternative to aerobic dance, walking or jogging. Similarly dancing caters to all levels of fitness, unlike many other physical activities it can be eased into and the variety of styles ensures there is a dance style that will cater to the entry level needs of the individual.
Brain Benefits
Research confirms what we already instinctively know. Regular physical activity can help keep the brain, healthy as you age. Exercise encourages nerve cells to grow because the level of brain chemicals is increased.
Often dancing requires you to remember sequences of dance steps which inadvertently improves memory skills.
Speed
Dancing conditions you to move quickly, sometimes traveling back and forth across a room many times in the course of an evening. Of course this will inevitably effect the speed and level of technique in other physical activities and in your day to day performance.
Agility
Dancing serves to improve your nimbleness, quickness, alertness and dexterity. The various moves related to a variety of dances will require this of you in varying degrees. The exciting part is that there is great potential for improvement, and a reversal of aging related tendencies in that you may not be aware of how elastic and lithe your body is.
Balance
Because dancing is so much fun, you will often become involved in moves which require balance and not even realize. Before you know it you are feeling more centered; this is related to the improvement you will feel in core strength, and body alignment. Olympic athletes often include dance in their training to sharpen their control, agility, speed and balance.
.
Posture and body alignment
Dancing encourages a stronger carriage as most dances are designed to be watched. Therefore maximum visual effect is gained from a person holding themselves strong in their core, in order to contrast effectively the other moves they are making with their limbs. Belly dancing is a very good example, where key muscle toning in the abs and the strong straight still upper body contrasts effectively with the swirling hips.
Flexibility
Apart from the obligatory gentle stretching that is part of any warm up and cool down, dancing encorouges you to lenghthen and stretch your muscles. Many moves require you to put your arms and legs in extended positions and/or weave and bend your torso, in ways which will repeatedly elongate your body.
Stamina
Of course the first night of any new dance routine we might be worn out in the first few minutes. But gradually this wears off till we are able to dance for longer and longer periods of time. This will rub off into other areas of our life.
Strengthens immune system
Dancing like any form of exercise can help prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. The body is designed to move, and the more you move it, the more it responds positively.
Provides physical activity for those who don’t like exercise…
Dancing is far from boring, and therefore encourages people to exercise who otherwise might not. Many people are not enamored with the treadmill and might live in a neighborhood that doesn’t encourage them to step out for an evening stroll.
If you are looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, then dancing which can be done at home with a dvd or ipod, or at a community destination could be the answer!
References
www.artscouncil.org.uk/documents/publications/phpN0GNFD.pdf
www.learntodance.com/health%20benefits%20of%20dance.htm
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/BHCV2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dance_health_benefits?
www.aarp.org/health/fitness/get_motivated/lets_dance_to_health.php
Mental benefits
Women are often frantically multi-tasking, or giving till they feel vulnerable and empty.
Most women are aware of the concept that self love and appreciation can only enhance the way we care for others, however the reality is we often end up having a day which is overbooked with next to no free time, or ‘me time’.
Here is where Dance can make an immediate and potent impact.
Classes
The difference between how I feel at the beginning of a class and the moment I walk out is very significant. Enjoying dancing is more than a physical experience. The high that you get from going to the gym is significant, especially if you are lucky enough to go to a gym where the women are relaxed and friendly like the one I go to, however dancing classes take those good feelings even further.
Many women speak about how they have gained greater confidence, self esteem and confidence from joining a dance class.
.
An example is in the tribal dancing classes I attend, where in the last fifteen minutes all the dances are performed in the semi darkness, afterwards during stretching special little thankful movements are made, touching the earth and thanking it for letting us dance upon it, thanks to the other participants, thanks to our bodies for working so hard, (although it doesn’t feel like it was hard) thank you to the teacher and the country where the dance originated from.
These little rituals might not sound like much, but the dynamic of gratefulness and anchoring in the now, promotes a feeling of euphoria and aliveness which I can’t imagine matching in any other way. When dancing together there is a bonding with the other participants that needs no explanation, everyone knows it’s there, and the inner strength that is distilled from this unity lasts for days after the class.
I found dance classes like this invaluable in weaning myself off anti depressants, and recommend them very highly to others in the same situation. I freely admit to not being coordinated and a few kilos overweight. I have never been very athletic and as a young person was not involved in any out of school activities like Saturday sports or dance lessons. But when I am dancing I feel like the most lithe and nimble, gorgeous and vital woman in the world.
On your own
If you cannot get to a class then dancing around the house is a fantastic option. If you have to set the stereo up in your bedroom and lock the door, then that’s what you might need to do!
Maybe cooking dinner every night could be your groove time with the cd player perched on top of the fridge. I maintain that if I’m doing housework then I have the right to blast whatever music I like and others need to just shut up and deal with it!
When a personal crisis or frustration occurs, I will often lock myself in the study and dance frantically, sometimes singing at the top of my lungs.
Collective Consciousness
My strategy worked beautifully, but there is an even more powerful dynamic at work here.
I believe that there is a collective consciousness of women who have danced throughout the ages, all over the world, in many different situations.
When we dance we are connected with them. For those of you suffering from depression or anxiety there is great comfort in this.
Somewhere in the world are at least one and probably many other women living in your situation or having been through the same problems.
You are never alone in your experience.
In those moments when you dance there is a great freedom in that no matter what is happening, you can be connected with a great well of consciousness, created by women.
Perhaps there is a woman somewhere in the world right now dancing for her life?
Maybe another dances to celebrate the birth of a child, the crowning of a king, or to commemorate the death of a loved one.
Somewhere a woman might be setting the table while she dances around her small kitchen on the side of a hill, elsewhere a mother swirls her child around in a circle to classical waltz music.
In a small town a young woman leads a troupe of baton twirling dancers down the main street in a parade, while in a community hall another practices her tap steps, for the annual talent quest.
I truly believe we are all connected in those moments, if you allow yourself to feel the vibe.
Magical and transforming
Due to the huge variation in dance styles and accompanying musical tastes, dancing is something anyone can realte to on some level.
Where other techniques have failed it can breathe new life into a tired soul and make your spirit soar.
Creativity which lay dormant can be unleashed.
New connections can be forged with different cultures or with family memebers who share or compliment your dance passions.
Romance and sexiness
Dancing can inspire new romances or rekindle old ones.
Just ask anyone whose ever surprised their partner with an impromptu pole dancing session!
Dancing while reducing stress and tension for one and/or both parties can only enhance your time together.
Long forgotten happy memories can be triggered, barriers broken down, variety and interest can be brought to the table.
This dynamic is illustrated beautifully in the famous tango scene from the movie Frida.
Depression, anxiety and stress
Anyone who has been feeling a little down, put their favorite song on and moved with that music will probably know already what research confirms; that dance is an immediate and effective medicine for depression.
It takes you to another place, distracts from an unhealthy focus, reconnects you with what’s real
My bet is that you have a lot to be grateful for, and having two legs which actually work and can carry your body makes you a very lucky person right there!
Its time to have some fun; just like these two!
Dance styles
There are many different variations of dance, each with its own rhythms and styles.
All involve moving rhythmically to music which despite ill chosen comments from judgmental people; is a talent we all have.
The attitude that you need to make the ‘right moves’ to enjoy dancing is so yesterday.
Have a look at these two in Pulp Fiction. Clearly they are dancing in their own funky style and it really works!
Anyone can enjoy dancing with as much passion as a dancer whenever they choose.
The popularity of the television shows Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You can Dance around the world shows there is a great love and appreciation for dancing as an art form.
They also reinforce when perusing the contestants, that to dance well is a talent that is not unique to any one type of person.
People from many different backgrounds, circumstances, places, of all shapes and sizes are involved in these competitions; they share a passion for dance and having fun.
Please enjoy the following clip from Dancing with the stars where Kate once again shows her talent for singing and dancing. More importantly she shows us the opportunuity for fun and lightness that dancing can provide.
Different styles include:
Contemporary
Ceroc
Folk:
Austrian folk dance
International folk dance
Ukrainian Dance
Country dance
English folk dance,
Jazz
Salsa
Belly dancing
Tribal dancing
Latin
Line dancing
Tap
Scottish country dance
Scottish highland dance
Swing including
Lindy Hop
East Coast Swing
West coast Swing
Jive
Modern jive
Jitterbug
Irish
Tahitian
Turkish
Egyptian
Hawaiian
Gypsy
Street dancing
English country dance
Rapper sword
Russian country dance
Chinese country dance
Square dance
Contra dance
Country/western dance
Western promenade dance
Barn dance
Round dance
Pom
Ballroom (including ;)
International Standard
International Latin
American Smooth
American rhythm
Latin Nightclub
Country/western
Cajun Dances
Argentine Tango
Polka
Formation dance
Nightclub dance including
Melbourne shuffle
Jumpstyle
Breakdance
R & B
Urban
Animation Dance
Traditional Dance
Free dance
Ceremonial dance
Ritual dance
Liturgical dance
Participative dance improvisation
Contact improvisation
Fad dance
Novelty dance
Disco dance
Flying men dance
Hardcore (sometimes known as "stomp" or "slam" dancing) include
Two step
Slam man
Picking up pennies
Picking corn
Spin kick
Windmill
Mosh pit
Tupelo stomp
Concert dance
Performance dance
Historical dance including
Medieval
Renaissance dance
Masque
English country dance
Baroque dance
18th Century dances
Regency dance
Vintage dance
Ballet including
Ballet d’action
Pre-romantic ballet
Romantic ballet
Classical ballet
Modern ballet
Neoclassical ballet
Bellydance
20th Century concert dance including
Butoh
Contemporary dance
Dance improvisation
Dance technology
Dance theatre
Eurhythmy
Expressionist dance
Free dance
Modern dance
Postmodern dance
Theatre dance including tap dance
Jazz dance
Lyrical dance
Traditional dance
Indian classical dance including
Natya Shastura
Kutiyattam
Bharata natya
Kathak
Kathakali
Kuchipudi
Manipuri
Mohini Attam
Odissi
Sattriya
Hasta Kosha
Newai Dance
Weapon dance
Fight scene dance
Pogo
Solo dance
Group dance participation dance
Performance dance
Social dance
Concert dance
erotic dance
…the list goes on.
Benefit of Ethnic dance styles
Many cultures in the non-western world promote and encourage dance in their daily lives for staying fit, stress free and happy. Following an energetic dance session, the body releases a large amount of endorphins, giving a natural high, particularly if paired with music that you love.
Every culture has a form of ethnic dance. In the west there has been some confusion in that much of their ethnic cultural dance roots have become more structured and appear to require years of practice and dedication to be able to shine at them.
Although modern forms such as ballet and contemporary dance are very beautiful and we can benefit from them, they can seem inaccessible, and usually require years of training before a dancer can feel like they have mastered the fundamentals.
Other popular forms of dance which have traveled around the world due to migration trends such as Irish Dancing and Scottish dancing can appear to require very high levels of agility and energy that are suitable for children but maybe too exhausting and technical for adults.
Consequently ethnic or world dancing that began in small villages can have a very important part to play in wooing woman back to dancing. These dances were designed for all the women in the village to participate in. Occasionally a select few may have danced for a religious ceremony or to entertain visitors, however most village dancing was designed to include everyone who wanted to dance.
Everyone was encouraged to dance because a special bond and sense of community was enhanced through this process. Dancing in this way was fun and liberating, reducing stress, creating an opportunity to connect and have fun.
Even the briefest glance into the history of any country will illuminate situations where the people really needed the ritual of dance to unwind, regain their affinity with themselves and their community, before getting back to coping with whatever drama was unfolding.
In order to dance, we respond to music. Early dancing often occurred spontaneously around hearth fires or in village squares. These dancers didn't just get up and bounce around; they were moved by the rhythms they heard and felt.
Archaeologists have found rudimentary flutes that were used as long as 10,000 years ago, and drums that may be even older. These two instruments conveyed rhythm and melody. Both, however, may have different tempos so the dancer could move on the steadier beat of the drum or use more steps following the melody.
Many ethnic dance forms, particularly Middle Eastern dance, hula, salsa, and African dance movements, are drum driven. Our bodies feel these rhythms, and we respond with movement. Though there are some basic steps or movements in these ethnic dances, they also allow us to move within the music in our own ways. These particular dance forms are perfect vehicles for exploring body sense and finding our own grace.
Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi says in her book, Grandmother's Secrets, "Body knowledge starts by removing attention from the mind and focusing entirely on movement......The movements of belly dancing enable a woman to understand and experience a natural rhythm.
In this dance form, she swings her limbs around the center of her body, around the navel of the world, through waves and swinging, rhythmical movements of the pelvis, through movements older than any single woman, indeed older than human civilization. We dance to become one with a rhythm that was here before us and will remain after we are gone."
That's a powerful endorsement for participating in the dances of earlier times. These dances of the village allow us to work off tension in our muscles. They also stimulate the brain; releasing endorphins that help us relax. In addition, they help us open to the creative flow so that we can be more creative in other areas of our lives.
We can also use these freeing movements as a warm up for a more extended dance session or as a prelude to meditation. And, ethnic dancing is fun and we don’t have to be master dancers to do it.
Ethnic dancing not only helps us relax, but also can increase our self esteem and foster a sense of grace. Equally, we also can begin to trust our bodies and find joy in moving them. More importantly, ethnic dancing is a great source of enjoyment.
Heavily borrowed from
http://www.relaxationexpert.co.uk/BenefitsOfEthnicDance.php
And references.
http://www.ethnicdanceexpressions.com/
http://www.vajravision.com/benefits.htm
Ethnic Dance gets you in Shape by Jeanie Davis, reviewed by Charlotte Mathis MD for Webmd
March 11, 2002 -- Move over spinning. Forget it, step. America's fitness studios have gone exotic, sensual, and cultural. Ethnic dancing is hot, very hot.
In Florida, belly dancing -- with classic moves like snake arms, body waves, and belly rolls -- makes for an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise, says Marjorie Malerk, a.k.a., Sallamah Chimer, who has been teaching in Gainesville since the early '80s.
Turkish belly dancing, on the other hand, "gets very wild, you're jumping, moving fast, it's very aerobic," she tells WebMD.
In New York, a dance called Masala Bhangra is on the menu at the tony Crunch Fitness club in Manhattan. A hip-swiveling, hand-clapping, foot-stomping workout, it's set to the beat of drums, flutes, and synthesized music.
In Chicago, a blend of rumba, merengue, samba and mambo cha-cha -- taught to the beat of live drums and sensual Latin sounds -- provides a 60-minute, full-body workout.
"Dance is the most natural form of fitness," says Matt Walters, a Crunch Fitness spokesperson. "When people have to use their minds as well as their bodies, they get a better workout."
It's also far more fun.
"People are tired of rote, repetitious routines and blasting music," says Peg Jordan, PhD, RN, editor of American Fitness Magazine and a spokesperson for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.
"They're shifting to downbeat rhythms, taking their shoes off, working with ethnic flavors and rhythms, and moving differently with their bodies," she tells WebMD. "They're saying, do I really want to jump up and down like a cheerleader anymore?"
Dancing has great health benefits -- it burns calories, keeps joints limber, and helps tone your muscles, including your heart.
"Dancing definitely gets your heart rate up," says Carol Krucoff, a journalist, and yoga and karate instructor. With husband Mitchell Krucoff, MD, a top cardiovascular surgeon at Duke University in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., she has authored Healing Moves, a book that looks at curing, relieving, and preventing common ailments with exercise.
One of her book's messages, she says: "It's really important to find movement you enjoy and customize it. You can't say to everybody you have to do a certain kind of movement, because that won't work.
It helps if people have a broad menu of different kinds of exercise, including dance."
Tuning into the music makes any workout more palatable, she says. "Numerous studies have shown it. When you add music to exercise, you work at a higher aerobic intensity, but it just doesn't feel as hard."
Plus, dancing is something that people at any age -- and any fitness level -- can do.
In her belly dancing classes, Malerk has one 76-year-old student. "She took belly dancing 22 years ago, and she's back again."
Krucoff's mom is in her 70s, and she's discovered line dancing at the local senior center. "This is a woman who will not take the stairs, who will not do any form of physical activity. But they play the music, and she's the first one up on the dance floor."
In downtown Minneapolis, aerobics instructor Naomi Pelley has seen the same thing.
All sorts of people, from age 8 to 70, turn out for her Saturday morning classes. It's an African form of aerobics -- what's called "Afrobics." Pelley calls her version "Funjah," a twist on the African word, funga, which means strength.
At center stage, you'll see Pelley and three native African drummers. The drummers match their beat to her steps. All eyes in the crowd watch her movements; their feet follow.
"It's so fun, and it's very freeing," she tells WebMD. "The drums elicit a response in the body that's like nothing else you've ever experienced. It's like the movement and drums are one, they play off each other."
No one should be intimidated by these workouts, says Pelley. "I make it real clear that it's not a traditional dance class. It's more like natural movement rather than learning dance patterns. Legs and arms need to be in certain positions. But beyond that, I tell people just to feel the beat, to move with the beat."
If people aren't in the best physical shape -- whether they're overweight, elderly, or injured -- they always can take a break. "I tell people, just move your hands, just move your body," she says. "Many times people are just swaying from side to side. It's not been a problem."
Besides, all dance instructors factor in some variety, says Paul Collins, director of Ethnic Dance Chicago. "You don't have 10 high-impact dances in a row," he says. "The tempo, the type of music changes." Plus, the tunes typically don't last more than 15 minutes, so there's a natural break in the movement. "If the dance lasts too long, people get bored," he says
While his Friday-night sessions aren't labeled as aerobic dance classes, they would certainly qualify, Collins tells WebMD. "People who come here for the first time, you see them sitting on the side, really heaving. Some dances can be very aerobic."
In fact, people should take advantage of all those dance opportunities out there -- whether they're through fitness clubs or not, says Jordan, who is also a cardiovascular nurse.
"There's contra dancing, Brazilian, Afro-Caribbean, salsa everywhere you look," she tells WebMD. "They kind of sneak fitness in the side door."
Go for it, and don't be concerned about overexertion, she says. "The medical profession would have you think everybody is a walking time bomb. We have crippled America, and people are growing more sedentary and more overweight. We need to liberate people to explore safe movement again. And dance really is safe movement. It's not frenzied, like running up-and-down in step classes."
"Just relax about it and do it," Jordan says.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/18/1676_53690.htm
Sample dancing around the house playlist
If you are unable to join a community dance group, or are working your way up to that decision, here are some of my Dancing around the kitchen favorites which can get you started.
They were chosen with the goal of trying to combine a great dancing tune with uplifting lyrics. Some of the songs are a bit dated but analyzing whether songs are trendy or daggy is so yesterday for me.
A potent shot in the arm of joy and energy can be delivered via your CD player, MP3 player or ipod in next to no time. The following are some personal pick-me-up songs, gathered from teaching, my children, belly dancing and getting off antidepressants.
1. Ray of Light by Madonna
Stand with your feet slightly apart, arms up toward the ceiling in a funnel shape. Move hips in big belly dancing circles, or from side to side, or come up with your own moves.! Improvise!
There is a big lesson in watching what Madonna is doing in the clip. She is just moving, and clearly not terribly worried about how she is moving. She looks awesome. Check it out.
I like to imagine a huge ray of light is shining down through the funnel of my arms and into my body. It then explodes out of me again.
My inner self celebrates being part of a beautiful, abundant universe.
2. Coming Clean by Hilary Duff Remix (very important as original is not really a dance track) Disco Version
I know this is not a classic dance track as such; but you can't beat the lyric content which is all about renewal.
This song to me is about being yourself and celebrating how beautiful you are.
3. Stronger by Britney Spears
Feet apart, punching the air, throw in a karate kick or two, strut your stuff!
This song contains a great lyric which to me talks about self growth, confidence, and the force of nature which is woman.
I know Britney has been through the wars lately, but lets not forget, that beneath all those layers of hurt and dysfunction, lays a talented and valuable human being.
4. Movin on Up by M people
Love the lyric.
This is one of those songs that’s really easy to move to.
Begin by swaying from side to side with attitude and then build it
.
5. Wind it up – Gwen Stefani
Gwenny always makes me wanna dance!
Another shining example of just moving and not worrying too much how it looks!
All you Sound of Music fans can release you inner Maria and strut around pretending you’re in Salzburg. Wind it up!
6. All I wanna do by Sheryl Crow
For those wearing jeans, cowboys boots or not; hook your fingers in your pants and get into some cowgirl moves.
Have you guys seen Coyote Ugly? Maybe your dining table could become a bar for 5 minutes.
Take yourself away for a few minutes to a bar in downtown LA where you are laughing dancing and having a beer.
When was the last time you and your girlfriends had a girl’s night out? Maybe its time to give them a call.
7. Love Shack by the B52s
One of the best dance tracks ever, full of fun and laughter, no rules on how you move, even just clapping works well.
8. Jump by the Pointer Sisters
More jumping -with some funky 80’s moves.
Who could forget that scene in Love Actually where Hugh Grant is shaking his butt to this song?
Well if a prime minister can get funky around the house dancing to old 80’s tracks then we girls can certainly get even funkier!
9. Don’t Stop Movin by S Club7
Bring out your favorite disco club moves.
It’s not hard with this song. In the clip the main theme is fun, not moves.
As the song says, let the music take you to places where you’ve never been before.
You deserve to experience the zenith of everything life has to offer.
Don’t sabotage the opportunity to experience dancing, by being a perfectionist.
In your private and sometimes public moments you are a great a dancer; as talented and flexible as the most consummate performer in the world!
10. Shiney Happy People by REM
A blast from the late 80’s. Watch the clip and you will see what I’m getting at.
The moves are really exuberant and simple.
Just jumping around and shaking your hips basically.
I cannot listen to this song and not be totally transformed. ‘Shiny Happy People holding hands’ what an inspiring lyric, in a cynical world!
After all we’re all human beings, on this journey together.
Inner joy is addictive to others, and this song celebrates it in a quintessential manner.
Other favs include:
Lovestoned by Justin Timberlake
I dare you to watch this clip and not start moving....
This guy writes stuff for the fans and don't we love it!
Move your feet by Junior Senior.
Music that makes you want to move.
Things just keep getting better. Widelife featuring Simone Denny.
Can't beat the lyric paired with the dance beat.
I like the way you move by Bodyrockers
irresistable beat.
Praise You
Another track with an irresistable foot tappin beat.
Get Shakey
Another track where you must move!
Hips Don't Lie
There's no excuses, you did when you were little, why not now?
Some more dance suggestions from across the different music genres - depending on your taste...
Stop Right Now / Spice Girls
Sunrise / Simply Red
Candy / Mandy Moore
Be my Lover/ Spice Girls
Express Yourself / Get into the Groove / Lucky Starr / Vogue / Holiday/ Madonna
Bedroom Eyes / Pash / Go your own Way / Kate Ceberano
Nutbush City Limits / Tina Turner
SOS / Rhiannon
Crazy /Toxic/ Slave 4 You / Britney Spears
Mickey / Toni Basil
Can’t get you outta my head / Come / Slow / Kylie
Milkshake / Kelis
White wedding/ /Rebel Yell / Billy Idol
I love the way you move / Hey yah / Outkast
Like the way you move / Bodyrockers
Rock your body / Lovestoned / Sexy Back / Justin Timberlake
Hips don’t Lie / Shakira
Zebra / Treat yo mama / John Butler Trio
Beautiful Liar / Beyonce and Shakira
Rhythm Divine / Enrique
Praise You / Fat Boy Slim
Brown Sugar / Rolling Stones
Pump it + every song / Black Eyed Peas
Vida Loca / She Bangs / Shake your bom bom / Ricky Martin
Murder on the Dance Floor / If this ain’t love / Sophie Ellis Baxter
Abracadabra / Come on and Dance / Steve Miller Band
Billie Jean / Blame it on the Boogie / Michael Jackson
You shook me all Night Long / Thunderstruck / ACDC
Stayin Alive / Bee Gees
I like to Move it / Reel 2 Reel
Flashdance/ /Dreams/ Deep Dish
Golden Years/ China Girl / Heroes / Fashion / David Bowie
Hollaback Girl / What you waiting for / Wind it up / Rich girl / Gwen Stefani
Bamboleo / Bem Bem Maria / Gipsy Kings
LA Woman / The Doors
Come Anytime/ Miss Freelove 69 / Whats my Scene / Bittersweet / Hoodoo Gurus
100% pure love / Crystal Waters
Movin on Up / M People
Twist and Shout / The Beatles
Missing / Everything but the Girl
From Paris to Berlin / Infernal
The rhythm of the Night / Corona
Old Time Rock n’roll /
Centerfold / J..Geils Band
You make me feel like Dancing / Leo Sayer
Sex Bomb / Tom Jones
Dancing Queen / Abba
What is Love/ I’ve been thinking about you / Haddaway
Smack my bitch up / prodigy
Sweet home Alabama / Lynard Skynard
Love Shack / b52’s
Small Town / Rooty toot toot / John Mellencamp
YMCA / Village People
Gonna make you swaet / C & C Music Factory
I will survive / Gloria Gaynor
Young Hearts Run free / Candi Stanton
Le freak / Chic
Other suggestions include your favourite movie dance tracks like
Grease
Dirty Dancing
Footloose
Strictly Ballroom
Flashdance
Saturday Night Fever
Some of these songs will not be amongst your personal favorites; however my main goal is to demonstrate what is possible from these examples.
Compiling a playlist can be a loving investment in you, a resource which can be readily accessed.
If you are not computer savvy, get your kids to download your favorite tunes from itunes and then burn them onto a blank CD for you, or copy them onto your ipod or MP3 player, make a Youtube playlist.
There has never been a better time in history to access your favorite songs. Perhaps you remember some old tune from high school, or an album that really resonated with you, but and you never got around to buying.
These songs can now all be retrieved from the comfort of your own home, in between whatever other commitments you may have.
The internet is a fantastic resource which can be used to collate tunes which are significant to you and you alone.
And don’t forget to do yourself a favour, take a risk and join a dance class.
Attend your local festival and community gatherings; see what the women in your community are involved in.
See what appeals to you, and make your move.
The rewards are immense, and will see you coping increasingly better with any stress, depression or anxiety you might be feeling.
Please share your favourite song choices with our site, I am only one person and I can’t possibly find all the best stuff on my own!
© copyright 2007 Simone Huggins BGS.BT.
Your dancing around the house suggestions
Share your dancing around the kitchen song choices which have worked for you!
now they can benefit others as well!
Go to the Contact page and put your Song title and a brief comment in the message box.
OR
If you want to share a story that comes with your song, I would love to hear it!
All comments emailed to me will be used to present quality feedback for you.
Also your contribution will be annonymous, so you can go wild and suggest any tracks you know work for you without anyone knowing.
Although many of us are at the stage where hopefully we don't care whether our song choices are considered lame or not, for you that might be self consious this is your chance to say what you really think.
Lets share our collective choices and create some magic!
Dancer of the week
coming soon