How to Determine the Right Form of Dance for You (Even If You Think You're Uncoordinated!)

The TV reality show "Dancing with the Stars" has many viewers longing to develop the skills to swoop and twirl around the dance floor just as gracefully as their favorite stars!

And there are many good reasons to put "learn to dance" on your list of 2010 resolutions:

- Exercise: Dancing is a great form of exercise, and you can burn calories, tone your body, improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination by pursuing your favorite form of dance as a way to get fit and stay fit. Studies even show that dancing may help to prevent the likelihood of Alzheimers and dementia.

- Socialize: Meeting new people or learning to dance with a loved one both offer ways to pursue health of the mind and spirit as well as the body.

- Experience the joy of play: Dancing can feel like playing, giving you the opportunity to regain your sense of play and fun, and thus improving your creativity. It can also help you relax.

The challenge: What kind of dance is right for you?Choose from:

Square Dancing: You may enjoy square dancing if you like to learn formal rules and enjoy the opportunity to exercise and work with others. In a typical introduction class, you'll learn basic terms such as do-si-do and you'll practice standard calls. In a mainstream workshop, you'll improve your skills and learn some "plus" moves. Square dancing is a surprisingly vigorous workout, and lots of fun to boot. Call your local parks and recreation department and/or local community college to ask about classes.

Zumba: This energetic form of dance fitness is popular among celebrities such as Eva LaRue ("C.S.I. Miami"), Vivica A. Fox ("Independence Day", "Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and Stacy Kiebler ("Dancing with the Stars"). It's based on a combination of traditional Latin salsa and Merengue.

Jazzercise: Jazzercise is the original dance fitness routine, a refreshing alternative to the hip-hop-based classes at health clubs. Ages range, and you can pace yourself to your level of fitness. You can learn more by searching online for a jazzercise class near you.

And many more, such as: Ballet, tap dance, ballroom dancing, swing dance, hip-hop....call your local dance studios, adult education center, community college, parks and recreation, and YMCA to ask about classes targeted at beginning adults. Even those of us who label ourselves "uncoordinated klutzes" can find a dance class that's right for our needs!