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How much weight is too much for ballroom dancing?
Posted by Mom4xs
4/30/2012  12:01:00 PM
I have loved ballroom dancing since Juliet Prowse hosted Championship Ballroom daning in the '80s. I am now a wife and mother of 4 boys (23, 21, 16, and 10) and I still love ballroom dancing and still want to try it. But I just wonder if I am too big; currently about 220. I believe ballroom dancing could help me in that particular area, but I just don't know how or if I am too late now. I would love to hear from you on this. It will sort of "make it or break it" for me. thank you.
Re: How much weight is too much for ballroom danci
Posted by belleofyourball
4/30/2012  12:28:00 PM
Go for it and have a good time. Dancing is a great way to lose the weight and not even realize you are doing it. I know lots of ladies in your size range who dance and dance very well.
Re: How much weight is too much for ballroom danci
Posted by ballroomchick
4/30/2012  12:31:00 PM
Ballroom dancing is a GREAT way to lose weight and get active again! I've seen a few gals that must be close to 300# out on the competition floor. There is no real weight limit, it's what YOU can do.

If your going back to social dancing I wouldn't suggest you try to dance every single dance to start off. Take it easy at first and build up staying on the floor longer.
Re: How much weight is too much for ballroom danci
Posted by sbrnsmith
5/1/2012  5:23:00 AM
Dancing is for people of all ages and weights. That is the great thing about ballroom dancing. Don't let your weight hold you back. I am 120 lbs, but have often watched women that dance so well and I wish I could be like them, that weigh more than me. I hope you don't give up. With your children being older, this is a great time to do something for yourself.Good luck!
Re: How much weight is too much for ballroom danci
Posted by OZ.
5/1/2012  2:18:00 AM
Morm4xs. I still have a tape of that competition from Madison Square Gardens.
The Professional Modern was won by Michael Barr and the Latin Sammy Stopford.Both Both are still teaching. About the weight. keep going. I partnered a lady of about your weight in a class just recently. She was as light as a feather.
Mainly because she knew the steps and didnt wait to be pulled or pushed into position.
Re: How much weight is too much for ballroom danci
Posted by dancewithu2
5/4/2012  3:27:00 AM
One thing people failed to mention yet is seeing your doctor first.
Also if you do see a doctor mention any old injuries.
Someon said try different dance. Good idea! Other than ballroom there is salsa and swing to mention a couple. I see many women your size in social dances for those too.
Re: How much weight is too much for ballroom danci
Posted by Christianne
5/4/2012  5:17:00 AM
Dear Mom4xs,

Dear, dear woman: if you love it, please do (with ok from doctor)! I'm 58 and weigh more than you do (right now , and while I do struggle at times and sometimes consider giving up, my love for dancing just won't let me give up. I started 2 years ago, and for the very first time in my entire life, found a physical activity that enhances mind, body, and soul, and that I absolutely LOVE. Granted, I've taken a couple of hiatuses over the last 2 years, but keep going back. And when a dance comes together on that ballroom floor in the arms of a wonderful leader - it's a high that no drink or drug could ever achieve!

That being said, there are some things that I've discovered along the way (and some are mentioned in the other dancers' answers to your question).

My first teacher had about 30 years experience with teaching social ballroom and volunteers teaching dance classes at a local senior center once a week. He was never heavily into competing and loves helping other people find the joy of social dancing. He understood that I don't have a 30-year old's body and that knees hurt, hips creak, and my reaction time is sometimes a bit sluggish as I learn to follow. BUT he was able to work with me with all of that. I've since worked with a couple of other teachers and learned to look for what I need in a dance teacher: someone who can work with a curvy dancing goddess

It's taken a very slow albeit steady build up in stamina. I stick with American style because it seems to be a bit easier on my body: waltz, foxtrot, rumba, tango, with an occasional cha cha thrown in. I've also found that beginner's bachata is a bit gentler on my body than salsa, at this time. And just recently discovered that the bar is rather high for west coast swing on the social dance floor, so that may have to wait a while until I'm stronger.

Thank you so much for asking your question!
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