Once we become adults, responsibility can easily take over our lives. When we were children, we pursued fun activities that we enjoyed. If we’re not careful, though, adult life and routine can take over. The Young at Heart series continues this month to encourage you to find what you love, or have always wanted to try, and go for it.
I’ve heard many adults at a socials or weddings say, “I’ll need some liquid courage before I even think about going out onto the dance floor.” There are two types of dancing: the one where you sway back and forth, hoping you don’t look like a fool, and then there’s the feel-the-music, move-your-body-to-the-rhythm type of dancing.
The interesting thing is, if you’re willing to learn, I believe you can move from the first category to the second, with some practice. Despite my Mennonite background (and we all know Mennonites don’t dance), I’ve always enjoyed moving to the music.
I took ballet lessons when I was five years old, and I’ve also witnessed many professional ballet performances. My duck waddle was far from the graceful movements I saw on stage. But just because I may never be a professional dancer doesn’t mean I can’t learn a few new moves as an adult and dance away my stress.
I’ll never forget when I first saw So You Think You Can Dance a few years ago and watched the contestants pour their heart and soul into their routines. I was especially drawn to the contemporary style of dance.
If you didn’t grow up taking dance lessons, it may seem like the opportunity has passed you by. After some research, however, I’ve found that quite a few dance studios out there cater to adults who want to learn.
Prairie Soul Dance Company in Niverville offers month-long Adult Jazz and Hip-Hop classes for $60. There’s also a ballet class on offer. If you’re thinking of a fun way to workout, while learning some new moves, this is about the same price as a gym membership.
“We welcome all levels in our classes, from beginner to experienced,” say Danielle Auld and Melanie Ducharme, the sisters who run Prairie Soul. “Our instructors adapt the classes to suit all levels.”
When I was 17, I took a hip-hop dance class with a bunch of 12-year-olds. I felt embarrassed and out of place, as I was about a foot taller than the rest of the class. With an adult hip-hop class, at least you’re with a group of people at the same level as you.
Marquis Dance Academy just opened in Sage Creek and has a new 8,000-square-foot facility. They teach Adult Tap and Hip-Hop classes all year round.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to take ballet but never had the chance. The good news is that the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company offers a five-week summer program for adults of all skill levels and ages. They offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance classes. If you don’t know if you want to commit to an entire program, they also have a drop-in rate of $20.
If you’ve ever seen ballroom dancers in action, and wanted to try it, there are studios in Winnipeg and Steinbach that offer instruction for every skill level. They teach dances like the rumba, jive, cha-cha, tango, waltz, and the foxtrot.
“Nine years ago, I decided to take three beginner classes at Ted Motyka’s Dance Studio [in Winnipeg], to see if I might like it,” says local dancer Rudolf Klassen, who’s in his 50s. “Apparently I like it a lot, because I’ve been taking lessons ever since, and I’m loving it. I’ve also danced in Toronto at several dance studios, and of course when I’m on vacation in places like Mexico and Cuba. It’s wonderful to dance your heart out!”
At the Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair this past summer, it was fantastic to see so many dads out on the dance floor with their daughters—and they held their own.
No matter your age, gender, or skill level, it’s never too late to learn how to dance.
