Want a new hobby that spells “fun” and “fit”? Then go ballroom dancing! Aside from being the perfect workout, it also sharpens the mind, increases confidence and relieves stress. It helps keep aging at bay and is very good character training for kids. Daily Mail recommends it as quality bonding time for couples bored with monotonous work-home routine.

TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars features spectacular ballroom performances that’ll leave you mesmerized by their magnificent blend of grace, speed and precision.  If you’re a beginner, however, don’t fret. Ballroom dancing may look strenuous at first but you’ll certainly enjoy it as soon as you learn to jive with the beat. Ballroom covers a wide array of dances originating from different countries. Here’s a brief history of two of the most popular in America: the ballroom salsa and tango.

Salsa

Salsa dates back to 1920s Cuba, a melting pot of Latin dances where different musical styles such as mambo, African and Son Montuno came together in the island. Sensing the trend, a local studio, Fania, named the new style as “salsa” which eventually spread through the clubs. Over time, it became popular in Miami as well as in South America. The dancers began adding their own intricate moves so you’ll see some styles today are energetic with distinctive whirling movements while others are slower and more sensual with touches of rhumba and tango. Though a relatively new form, salsa has become a big part of international dance culture.

Tango

Tango’s story is quite funny. The dance was popularized by the lower class in Buenos Aires, specifically the gauchos. The gauchos would visit night clubs and ask ladies to dance. Since they hadn’t taken a shower, the girl would try to hold her head as far back while one arm tries to reach the pocket of the opposite hip, as if to look for payment for dancing with the man. The two would dance in a circular fashion because of small floor space and round tables. In the 1900’s, the Tango dance spread throughout Europe and soon became a hit in New York by 1910.

If you’re interested in learning ballroom dancing in Duluth, sign up with world-class dance studios like Superior Ballroom Dance. Such studios guarantee that participants will learn at least two dances per session in their beginner classes. Moves like the salsa basic, tango basic, salsa underarm turn and tango corte will be practiced with several partners— a great way to make new friends! Whether it’s for a lifestyle change, fitness or sports, ballroom dancing will bring you absolute wonders.

(Source: How ballroom dancing can change your life, Daily Mail)