The continued success of popular television shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance has proved that the sport of dancing attracts all ages and is only growing in popularity. Just drive around Middletown, and you'll notice that the Township has its own fair share of dance schools, which surely attract thousands of dancers from toddlers to seniors.
There seems to be much more to dancing however than being mesmerized by flashy costumes and learning the moves for "left, right, cha, cha, cha". Dancing can awaken the soul, unleash creativity from within, give you a great workout, and provide fun opportunities to meet people and socialize with friends.
As we all know, regular physical activity keeps the body in good health, but you may not know that dancing also requires its students to remember steps, patterns and sequences that improve memory skills. In a study done by the New England Journal of Medicine, leisure activities such as dancing are actually associated with a reduced risk of dementia in seniors.
So, with all these great benefits what's stopping you from learning to dance? Like me, you may lack the confidence and time to get on the dance floor, or you may just need to locate an affordable class close to home.
Located right next to the Middletown train station on 36 Church Street, the Middletown Arts Center offers group dance classes and socials led by wonderful dance instructors who will guide you every step of the way, no matter your level of experience. Keep in mind, that great dancers weren't born in a day and that their passion and confidence grew with every lesson.
Dance is also a great way to meet people and at the MAC Instructors Richard Givney and Tanya Belikov offer group dance classes and socials that allow people to interact socially. No partner is necessary, so it’s also perfectly fine if you plan on going solo or dancing with a group of friends.
If you’re just beginning to take an interest in dance, the MAC's Ballroom Basics class with Richard Givney is the perfect opportunity to begin. This class is offered on Mondays from 8:00-8:55 p.m. Students choose three or four dances that they learn for the month. Basic patterns and simple techniques are taught and no partner is necessary.
Discover your passion for dance at the “Swustle Bash” Hustle Dance Social, Saturday, February 23rd, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Themed dance socials are also held monthly at the MAC, where there is group dancing, socialization and light refreshments served. This Saturday, February 23rd from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. will be the “Swustle Bash” Hustle Dance Social with Dance Instructor Richard Givney, Diane Nardone "The Queen Bee" of Hustle, and DJ Johnny O. The types of dancing include West Coast Swing, Hustle and Latin. There will also be some great door prizes and light refreshments. The cost is $15 per person.
The Middletown Arts Center has a host of exciting classes and activities in store for their dance students in 2013. For information on any of the Middletown Arts Center dance classes and socials, visit www.middletownarts.org, www.ballroomjourney.com or call 732-706-4100.
