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Dance

Dancing is good for your soul! What's more, it's a fun (and very sociable) way to work up a sweat and stay fit.

An Overview of Dance

Ceroc
Ceroc is a simplified version of jive and quite similar to swing but without the complicated footwork.

Street dance
Street dance describes urban dance styles that evolved in the street, school yards and nightclubs, including hip-hop, popping, locking, krumping and breaking.

Ballet
The first ballet school, the Académie Royale de Danse, was established in France in 1661. Today there are three main forms of ballet: classical, neoclassical and contemporary.

Contemporary
Unlike dances such as ballet, contemporary dance is not associated with specific techniques. In contemporary dance, people attempt to explore the natural energy and emotions of their bodies to produce dances that are often very personal.

Salsa
Salsa dancing is a fun and flirtatious form of partner dancing, fusing steamy Afro-Caribbean and Latin styles into simple and lively movements.

Ballroom
Ballroom dancing has made a comeback in recent years, partly thanks to TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly Dance Fever. There are many styles of ballroom dancing from around the world, such as the waltz, tango and foxtrot, and each has specific step patterns.

Zumba
Zumba is a popular fitness programme inspired by Latin dance. The word "Zumba" comes from a Colombian word that means to move fast and have fun.

Flamenco
From Andalucia in Spain, this is the dance of swirling skirts, castanets and breathtakingly fast heel stomping. Flamenco's musical and dance traditions are centuries old, blending gypsy, Moorish and Andalucian influences.

Tap
Tap dance uses shoes with small metal plates on the soles to make the dance itself part of the music. Tap evolved in America and had its roots in African dance, Irish dance and clog dancing.

Bollywood
Bollywood dancing stems from the Indian film industry and is now popular throughout the world. It is known for being upbeat and often helping to tell a story or show emotions. Bollywood dance blends classical Indian dance forms, with its intricate hand gestures and footwork, with modern western styles, including hip-hop and jazz.

Modern jazz
Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Jazz dance evolved alongside jazz music and was popularised in ballrooms across the US by the big bands of the swing era. Jazz dance offers a full body workout, developing dance ability, flexibility, strength and rhythm.

Wheelchair dancing
BBC3's Dancing on Wheels has done wonders for the sport of wheelchair dancing and has raised its profile as a recreational activity. Wheelchair dancing is open to people of all abilities, including mixed ability dance partners. From the ballroom to the street – not forgetting ballet, and group dances like Gangnam or line dancing – nothing is off limits for those wheels of steel.

Benefits

Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including:

  • improved condition of your heart and lungs
  • increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
  • increased aerobic fitness
  • improved muscle tone and strength
  • weight management
  • stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
  • better coordination, agility and flexibility
  • improved balance and spatial awareness
  • increased physical confidence
  • improved mental functioning
  • improved general and psychological wellbeing
  • greater self-confidence and self-esteem
  • better social skills.

Costs

Dance classes vary in prices across the country with some companies allowing you to pay as you go.

Facts

  • Tchaikovsky composed 'Swan Lake' in 1875, however it was quite unsuccessful after the first year of performance; conductors, dancers and many members of audience thought that the piece of music was much too difficult to dance to, and therefore rejected the piece.

Find Dance Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

Thrive Community Health, Fitness and Wellness

Thrive Community Health, Fitness and Wellness

Weight Management
Wellness Workshops
Group Exercise Classes
Mental Health First Aid
1:1 Health Coaching (available from January 2022)

Squash

The Park Club Chatham

The Park Club is a charitable company whose focus is to get more people, more active, more often. We have two clubs in Kent, one in Chatham and one in Ashford. We offer group exercise classes, a fully equipped gym, functional training area & squash court

Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing

Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing

Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing is a free magazine in the Sevenoaks District in Kent which hosts an annual Showcase Event for local sports clubs.

The Right Step Dance Company

The Right Step Dance Company

The Right Step is a community dance company. We provide high quality dance lessons At Any Age, For Any Ability in schools, care homes, youth centres and for other organisations across Kent.

The Right Step Dance Company

The Right Step Dance Company

The Right Step is a community dance company. We provide high quality dance lessons At Any Age, For Any Ability in schools, care homes, youth centres and for other organisations across Kent.

Dance

Tiny toes ballet gravesend & medway

Childrens ballet classes for ages 18months to 7 years.

Lucy Robins School of Dance

Lucy Robins School of Dance

Dance school with classes for adults and children in West Kent.

Dance

Marshall Academy of Irish Dancing

We provide Irish dance classes for both adults and children. All levels are welcome. These classes are for learning, building confidence and strength. A fun way to stay healthy and active.

Dance

Cascade Dance

Cascade is an educational dance company based in Kent, delivering high quality and accessible dance activities to a range of ages and abilities. Established in Tunbridge Wells in 2007, Cascade’s work has since stretched across the South East, delivering

Boot Camp

me+pt

I am a Personal Trainer and Clubbercise instructor, and I also run a class called Tribe Fitness (HIIT and Circuits), in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. My aim is to get everyone moving and enjoying themselves! My focus is fitness, form and fun.

Europa Gymnastics Centre

Europa Gymnastics Centre

Europa Centre is a state of the art gymnastic centre. We provide pre-school, recreational, elite squad, adult and classes for children with individual needs. We also run gym zone fun sessions for younger children 0-4 yrs every week day. We have a professi

English Amateur Dancesport Association

English Amateur Dancesport Association

English Amateur Dancesport Association is the national governing body for amateur dance.

The Park Club

The Park Club

The Park Club is a charitable company whose focus is to get more people, more active, more often. We have two clubs in Kent, one in Chatham and one in Ashford. We offer many group exercise classes as well a fully equipped gym and functional training area

Medau Movement

Medau Movement

Medau Movement is a recognised governing body.

Classes A2Z

Classes A2Z

Choose from thousands of top local classes and courses throughout the UK! Academic Language Tutoring Courses, Dance, Martial Arts, Keep Fit, Yoga, Driving Lessons much more! Read reviews, access clear pricing and receive certificates for your successes!

English Folk Dance and Song Society

English Folk Dance and Song Society

EFDSS is the national folk arts development organisation for England.