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Popularity of Cultural Dance Leads to Fun Fitness
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
Seniors
looking for a low-impact, artistic and entertaining way to workout
should consider cultural dance.
Cultural dancing is growing in popularity among all age groups, but seniors in
particular are finding it a very good way to stay in shape.
“It appeals to the person who, for whatever reason, has not found traditional
exercise to be their cup of tea,” said Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist
at the American Council on Exercise in San Diego.
“It has really grown out of people looking at alternative modes of activity
to spice up their workout.”
Cultural dance includes such forms as belly dancing, hula dancing and samba de
Terre. Unlike many forms of artistic dance, such as ballet or jazz, which require
dancers to start young, most cultural dance flows with the body’s natural
way of movement and can be learned regardless of age.
The soft, gentle undulations won’t jar joints. They can help to improve
balance and coordination, and often, the moves help practitioners look and feel
more graceful.
While there are a few potentially unsafe moves, like certain types of floor work
or rapid hair flipping, common sense and self- knowledge should limit the likelihood
of injury, say members of The Golden Goddesses, a cultural dance group composed
entirely of senior women.
Cultural dancing is a very slow exercise, unlike aerobics, members say. Doctors
increasingly are sending seniors with issues like back problems or recent surgery
to dance class because they need to exercise, and workouts like belly dancing
are not likely to cause further injury.
Cultural dancing seniors aren’t just limited to the studio. While some
troupes prefer younger dancers, many joyfully accept dancers of all ages and
provide plenty of performance opportunities.
Student recitals, belly dance “haflas,” community festivals and community
service shows can all showcase skills of the older dancer. Men are equally welcomed
into the world of cultural dance, and though most troupes were composed primarily
of women, men are traditionally brought along as performers and to guard female
dancers.
In keeping with this role, most male cultural dancers are taught to project a
strong masculine image. Troupes also have men playing instruments to provide
the music accompanying the female dancers.
Those interested in breaking the mold and trying something fun, different and
healthy should contact a local cultural dance studio for further information.
Most studios offer group or private lessons, and while the cost is usually lower
for group lessons, private classes can provide benefits like a more flexible
schedule, individual attention and a more therapeutic setting.
A medical checkup before beginning any new exercise routine is warranted, but
most seniors who do participate benefit from getting a regular low-impact, aerobic
exercise like cultural dance. It improves the cardiovascular system and helps
combat osteoporosis. Muscle tone improves and dancers generally feel better about
themselves.
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Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
