Dance Dance Revolution

Dance Dance Revolution is one of the most popular arcade games today. Now, it comes in versions that can be attached to PCs or to video game systems such as Nintendo, Wii, Playstation, and others.

The premise is quite simple. Make all connections necessary so that the dance pad, which is placed on the floor, the already-included music, and the computer, can all send and receive signals. Then, pick from a number of very popular songs, and follow the on-screen prompts.

The arrows scroll from the top or bottom of the screen to the appropriate arrow on the dance pad display. When the arrow stops scrolling, you simply step on the indicated arrow on your dance pad.

Continue moving your feet in the direction you are told to, adding any additional motions if instructed to do so. These can include shaking your hands, bobbing your head, jumping up and down in one spot, or other moves.

If you've never played Dance Dance Revolution before, don't worry. Each edition (currently there are three) comes with a Beginning mode that provides instructions on what to do, and how and when to do it. You're given a number of easy songs to choose from, and you can use them to get started.

Start off slowly, so you can get used to reading the prompts and moving your body at the same time. As you improve, you can move to different choose songs that are slightly faster and have moves that may be a more difficult. Once you feel comfortable, then you can move on to other levels.

The Dance Dance Revolution game is very forgiving when you are just starting out. You don't get penalized for putting the wrong foot on the right arrow, or for whatever mistake you made. The same consideration is given when you accidentally move your foot if you're only supposed to be shaking or waving your hand or performing another body move. For instance, it may be hard to only shake your hand without feeling like you should also be moving your foot.

Both the arcade and the personal computer games have become so popular that there are now DDR tournaments being held all across the country as well as in other parts of the world. These tournaments come with official rules and have different qualifying rounds before the best dancers are chosen for the final round.

Dance Dance Revolution is not only fun, it also gets you moving. The sedentary nature of video games has long been a concern to parents, and now that problem is solved.

Adults can benefit from it, too. Some people find regular exercise routines, even walking and jogging, either too boring or too strenuous for them to commit to. Again, dancing is fun, and because you can choose the speed of the songs to which you dance, you can find some that will match your fitness level.