Real Men Ballroom Dance

The success of former NFL stars Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, Jason Taylor, and Warren Sapp on TV's "Dancing With the Stars" should by now have shattered the tired myth that real men don't dance. Smith, former all-pro running back with the Dallas Cowboys, waltzed away with the mirror ball trophy in the popular show's third season, while Rice, Taylor, and Sapp each cha-cha'ed their way to finish as runner-ups on the seasons in which they appeared. So let's just say it loud and say it proud: Real men ballroom dance! But still a lot of guys balk at the notion of learning to dance, and the excuses are laughable: "I won't like it." "I'll look silly." "It costs too much." "I've got two left feet" (this was my excuse). All of them speak to fear and a lack of confidence. Well, guess what? Ballroom dancing can boost your confidence. It also improves balance and posture, and enhances your social skills.

Ballroom dancing also is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Besides the enhanced posture and balance, dancing improves flexibility and stamina, and requires use of the major muscle groups. Some doctors consider dancing one of the most beneficial physical activities. Ever noticed the bodies of the professionals on "Dancing With the Stars"? Hello! How do you think they got that way? From my own experience, in the two years since I started ballroom dancing, I've lost 10 pounds and am in better shape than I've ever been, even in my early 20s. So, ready to give dancing a whirl? Here are some tips to get started:

1. Find a good studio - Dance studios vary widely, from nationwide chains to independent, locally owned studios. So be sure to shop around.

2. Start out with a group class for beginners - This is the best way to get started. First, group classes are very inexpensive. Second, everyone else is a beginner just like you, so you don't have to worry about feeling embarrassed if you miss a step. For the record, you will, and so will everybody else in the class - don't worry about it! The beginning group classes will introduce you to the basics, and you won't be overwhelmed. The instructor will assume only that you know your left foot from your right (and may even ask just to be sure!)

3. No partner? No problem! - Whether you have a partner will not matter in a group class, as most instructors rotate the partners during the class. This means you'll dance with different partners, which in the long run, will improve your ability to lead. This also gives you the opportunity to meet new people - very important, as dancing is, after all, a social activity.

4. Dress comfortably for your dance classes - Make sure you wear clothing that is somewhat loose-fitting so as to allow freedom of movement. Some studios keep the thermostat cool, so you might be tempted to wear long sleeves or a sweater. But trust me - as you dance, your body temperature will go up and you may even sweat a little.

5. Wear the right shoes - Whatever you do, don't wear rubber soles. They do not offer the traction needed for turning or sliding, so leave your Reeboks at home. Any shoe with a smooth sole will suffice, such as a dress shoe. If after a few classes, you decide to continue with ballroom dancing, purchase a pair of dance shoes, which are designed for the dance floor and nowhere else. Ballroom dance shoes have suede soles, allowing just the right amount of traction for turning, pivoting, and sliding. Some studios have shoes for sale, but they also can be purchased online or at dance supply stores.

6. Practice and have fun! - Ballroom dancing is like any other physical activity, in that you get out of it what you put into it. Most studios host a weekly social dance or dance party. These are a lot of fun and provide an excellent opportunity to practice what you've learned. You may even find yourself learning more, as the more experienced dancers are always happy to help newcomers!