Ballroom dancing: Relaxing and focusing the body & mind

By Niang Chen
Translated by Carrie Chang Chien

International standing dance--widely known as ballroom dancing--is a form of exercise that showcases a power and beauty, as an interaction between the dance floor and the physical mechanics of the human body creates a heightened elegance and balance. Furthermore, ballroom dancing combines a variety of functions, including a good work-out, recreation and socialization with others, all while showing off the curves and aesthetics of the body.

Like other sports, "focus" and a "pure mind" are the two basic elements, as one eliminates all distractions and simply focuses on the entire body's steps and posture to generate a special moving charm. Ballroom dancers ideally use long-term practice to eliminate bad postures and improve their bodies, but often quickly begin to see improvements in the angles of their movement and strength. Tense and tight necks, shoulders, waists and backs are relaxed and become more flexible after repeated dance practices. Body shapes also become more elegant and graceful, as movements demonstrate a seeming contradictory mix of beauty and power.

Here in Taichung, dance instructor Liu Chun-an has studied ballroom dancing for many years and has a depth of experience in helping students to use the body's weight and Newton's third law on the dance floor to discover a balance between their and their partner's bodies, using rarely-used back muscles and core muscles for attractive, light dancing moves, even as they gain new insights into life from this pursuit.

It may be a form of exercise, but ballroom dancing also requires something from the heart during basic practices. The elegant, patient Liu has trained in ballroom, Latin and international standard dancing and works diligently to educate every student. Whether it's the provocative swinging of the Rumba, or the flawless twirling of the Waltz, there's no better time to begin experiencing and enhancing your life with the joys of dancing.

Chun An Dancing Studio
366-12, WuQuan Rd, North Dist, 4F (located above 1F Hua Nan Bank)
0987-768919

Nancy dancing studio
Nancy-0920-853053
www.salsapassion.url.tw/salsa1.htm