Are You Ever Too Old To Start Dancing?

Miriam G. sits at the table, watching her granddaughter whirl across the floor with her new husband. "I'd love to dance like that."

Hiram, her husband of over forty years, extended his hand and smiled. "Well, come on, honey."  

She shook her head. "I can't. I don't know how to do that."

"Then we'll take lessons," he said. "We can learn. It'll be fun."

Miriam thinks about it for a moment, and then shakes her head. "No, honey. I'm just too old."

Are you ever too old to learn how to dance? It's a question being asked by surprising numbers of people, from the 10 year old sadly convinced that she's far too ancient to take up tap to Miriam's generation and beyond.

How Old Is Too Old?

How old is too old to start dancing? You might be amazed by the people who claim they're too old to get on the dance floor. Some of them aren't even out of elementary school yet! People who say they're too old to dance are in their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and beyond. We're talking about a wide range of people, all of whom are very different from each other. The only thing that they have in common? The fear that they're too old to dance.

Where does this fear come from? Some people may think they're too old to take dance lessons because they're not as flexible as they used to be. How, they wonder, will they manage the fast footwork and dramatic bends of ballroom dancing? Can their heart stand up to swing dancing?

If this is your concern, the very best thing you can do is talk to your doctor. You might be amazed at what she's got to say. Dance has many health benefits that are good for people of all ages: increased cardiovascular health, enhanced muscle strength and balance, weight loss, and increased flexibility. Dance also benefits your psychological health, lifting the mood, increasing confidence, and giving an outlet to work through stress and tension.

Ballroom Dancing, Swing Dancing and Salsa Dancing: Fun For All Ages

Dancing is fun, and part of the fun is learning to dance with a group. When you take group dance lessons, you don't have to worry about being embarrassed or looking silly - everyone else in the room is there because they are learning too! Dance classes can be incredibly supportive, and many life long friendships are first formed as people practice steps, turns and twirls together.

Ballroom dancing, swing dancing and salsa dancing are among the most popular forms of dance for dancers of all ages. You don't have to worry about any pressure - this isn't training for Dancing with the Stars! Think of dance class as a way to have fun, get a workout, exercise your body and your mind, learn some moves and then, when the next wedding rolls around, you won't have to sit on the sidelines! You can get out on the dance floor and have a good time!