You’re not only the fittest if you’re in Exeter Dance Soc, you’re a better person too

Yes, dance is a sport. No, it is not easy. Yes, it is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your spare time and here is why.

Squad goals

Of course, friendships come with any sports teams you’re a part of. But there’s something particularly intimate about a group of people that likely will have seen your ugly ballerina feet.

Let’s not even get started on partner work. Soon after meeting said “partner” parts of your body will be interwoven with parts of theirs you never dreamed of. Social niceties tend to be forgotten about after that.

You laugh together, cry together, scream together, you get injured together, and somehow still manage to like each other at the end.

Dancers are artistic AND fitter than you

When dancing you work muscles you didn’t even know you had. Flexibility is important in some styles so be prepared to stretch those hamstrings. On top of all of this, you have to act. A dancer with a blank face is frankly boring to watch. It doesn’t matter if you’re in agony, if your choreographer says smile, you smile until the end.

Believe it or not, this acting element is often the most exciting and interesting part of a dance. You choose your own music, create your own moves and then you express what that dance meant to you with as much feeling as possible, all whilst burning hundreds of calories.

Bit tired?

Confidence

If you don’t have confidence when you’re dancing, you have to fake it. After faking it for long enough you realise you’re not acting anymore. Confidence becomes second nature. This transfers into everyday life too. If your mantra isn’t “I am Beyonce” then I don’t know what is.

Versatility

There are so many styles of dance. Hip hop not for you? Try ballet. Ballet not for you? Try contemporary. Contemporary not for you? Try tap. The list goes on and on. There is literally something out there for everyone. When you find the style you love you become obsessed. Check any dancers YouTube history they’re constantly searching choreography to try out.

Anyone can do it

It’s never too late to start dancing. As some wise person once said “if you have feet you can dance”. Sure, you might not be the next Darcey Bussell or Carlos Acosta but there are loads of beginners classes and you never know what hidden talents you might have. Go on, give it a try.

Exeter Dance Society