Ballroom Dancing as a Stress-Reducing Therapy: A Proven Way to Befriend Your Ballroom Partner
A few years ago, a couple I knew lost their son in a tragic plane crash. They found solace in ballroom dancing, which became their therapy. My own experience as both a competitive ballroom dancer and a professional teacher has shown me that ballroom dancing significantly reduces stress and brings an overwhelming feeling of freedom, joy, and accomplishment.
How Ballroom Dancing Heals from Stressing Events
Therapy through Movement: Ballroom dancing is an excellent therapeutic tool. The numerous movements, the connection with your partner, and the music all help to distract from stressful thoughts. Competitive dancers often face stress, but it remains minimal compared to the stress caused by other aspects of life. My wife and I, who were 7-time regional champions, felt mild pressure but never let it overshadow our overall feeling of freedom, joy, and accomplishment.
Understanding Partner Dynamics in Ballroom Dancing
Early Discords and Partnerships: When couples first learn to dance, there can be stress due to the learning process. Misunderstandings and blame can arise, but working together as a team is crucial. Instead of misinterpreting each other's actions as mistakes, partners must focus on growth as a duo.
Stress-Free Dancing: Apart from individual learning challenges, ballroom dancing offers a welcome escape from life's stresses. This art form has the power to bring peace and clarity to your mind, allowing you to step away from the chaos.
Addressing Beginner and Intermediate Stress
Identifying Personal Stressors: It's hard to pinpoint the exact stressors of an individual, but common concerns include stage fright, fear of judgment, and condemnation. Some worry about partner reaction; others may overthink their performance. For me, as a beginner and intermediate social dancer, the main stressors were perfecting my movements to the music and improving my leading skills.
Core Skills for Success: Without a solid foundation in the basics, advanced techniques can be difficult to master. I faced challenges in intermediate-level classes when attending without a regular dance partner. Followers were experienced, making my lack of practice and execution significantly noticeable. Understanding the importance of fundamentals was key. Learning to follow the beat and moving naturally are crucial. Relying on these skills before attempting to lead ensures a smoother learning process. A well-timed step or lead can make a world of difference in making your partner feel secure and connected on the dance floor.
Status of Art Skill
Mastering Steps with Confidence: Specifically, focus on understanding the beat, your body movement, and leading. These are interconnected skills that lead to a more harmonized dance. Once you have these basics down, learning new steps becomes less daunting. Your partner will feel your intent to lead, and you'll both enjoy the dance more significantly. This approach ensures a consistent flow of energy between dancers, making the experience far more enjoyable and less stressful.
Conclusion: Ballroom dancing is not just a hobby; it's a coping mechanism. By focusing on the core skills of leading, following, and connection, you can transform your dancing experience from a source of stress to a celebration of freedom, joy, and accomplishment.