There are lots of reasons to try out social ballroom dancing. Sure there's the studies that show dancing helps prevent Alzheimer's, and it's a fun way to get in some exercise. But it's also a great way to meet lots of interesting people.
While the stereotype of ballroom dancing attracts older people isn't totally false, it really does cut across a wide range of demographics. The dance floor is a great equalizer, and where you come from, where you live and what you do for a living doesn't matter. It's all about being a pleasant dance partner, and a pleasant dance partner can come in any size, shape, age or color.
But while who we are outside the studio doesn't matter, it's still fun to learn about everyone. Our dance community is full of people from lots of different countries and backgrounds. And while dancing or waiting for a next dance, it's amazing what you can learn about people you'd otherwise never meet. After all, how many other activities allow you to spend time in Georgia with a young guy from Germany one second, then the next with an older woman from England? And then off for a water break to gossip for a bit with a 20 year old and an 80 year old?
It's been fun getting to know all these people that without dancing I'd never get to know. All it takes is to stop looking at dancing as just a chance to dance, and look at it as a chance to get to know some new people and maybe even make some new friends.
