J-Lo and Britney Spears are not the only ones who know that dancing is a great way of shaping up and getting fit. There's a workout style out there for everyone!
Dancing is a lot of fun, it may take you a while to even realise that you're exercising at all! But for the Hollywood elite, it's a favourite way of toning up quickly.
Whathever you fancy - a Broadway routine, Latin-inspired salsa or a hip-hop brake down - dancing is a fabulous way to correct posture problems and boost your confidence.
Which dance is for you?
Whatever your style, there's a routine for you. Don't let fear of failure put you off, warm up and let loose, you'll be in shape in no time!
To help you choose your dance personality here's five popular styles guaranteed to get the muscles working.
Broadway
Since 1886 the streets of Broadway have been awash with jaw-dropping musical theatre productions that have stunned audiences. The Broadway dance workout incorporates elements of jazz, tap ballet and contemporary dance seen in breathtaking shows such as 'Rent' and 'Chicago'.
One minute the movement can be fast paced, the next it can be controlled and graceful.
Bollywood
Bollywood dance owes a lot to ancient forms of Indian classical dance. The Hindu film industry is the biggest in the world. There are more films produced in India per year then anywhere else in the world ? even Hollywood.
It is an energetic style of dance that people of all levels and abilities can enjoy.
Latin
Originating in countries such as Brazil and Cuba, Latin dance is an umbrella term used to describe salsa, tango, mambo, merengue and rumba.
Latin dancing is popular because the steps are easy to pick up and you do not need to be amazingly co-ordinated or flexible to do it. It can help change your shape and help to banish the need to diet.
Hip-hop
The dance culture of Hip-hop emerged in the ghettos of New York's Bronx district -where teenagers used whatever was at hand to create an intense sound - driven by a strong pulsating rhythm.
It is not about grace - it's about the sharp jerky movement's intensity. It gives an all-over workout and when done at a quick pace the pounds will drop off.
Burlesque
Burlesque was born in the jazz clubs and cabaret bars in Twenties America, in a time when mainstream society was afraid of striptease. Now Burlesque clubs are opening all across the UK.
It is acknowledged to be a fabulous way to increase confidence and tone the body. Gwen Stefani and Dita Von Tease have both taken to the stage in clubs in LA. But it isn't about stripping; it's a workout brimming with all the glamour of Hollywood.
Health Benefits
Cardiovascular system
According to cardiac nurses, dancing is excellent exercise for keeping your heart healthy. It helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and lowers the cholesterol levels, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease.
De-stress
If you find it hard to switch-off, dancing can calm over-active brains and help you relax. It will use up excess energy and leave you feeling happier and calmer.
Good for back problems
Many common posture problems such as slouched shoulders can be prevented by stretching the spine and developing core strength in the abdominals. Dancing warms-ups can help to do this and if performed regularly will help alleviate back problems.
Tones the body
Dance is brilliant all-over body toner. Combining many different movements seen in aerobics, yoga and body conditioning classes, it gives you the entire body workout without you even realising. It will increase your muscle tone and reduce your body fat.
Article reproduced from www.supanet.com
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