For longevity, dancing is a good move

I saw a report last week saying that older people who dance tend to be happier and healthier. Social dancing counteracts the normal physical and mental declines of ageing, according to the research, which was conducted by an anthropologist at Queen’s University Belfast. Dancing contributes to longevity and alleviates social isolation, it said. Sounds good. Now where can I do some social dancing in Abu Dhabi? I may not be as old as the study subjects, but it’s never too early to start.

Almost every health club in Abu Dhabi lets you pay per visit even if you are not a member, and the range of classes is generous. I decided to try a beat-based activity: the Abu Dhabi Health and Fitness Club’s BodyStep class. I walked into a large studio with about 10 other women while the instructor selected the music. Techno is not my favourite genre, but it did provide a beat.

Like any other dance class, BodyStep involves complicated footwork. After the 10-minute warm-up, I was one step behind. At around minute 11, I started tripping over my feet and twirling the wrong way. It’s a 45-minute class, but I was practically hyperventilating at 20 minutes, partly due to embarrassment. In spite of my two left feet, it was fantastic, and I can’t wait to try it again. Thank goodness there is a website where I can study up on the moves.

“The Body” fitness formulas (BodyStep, BodyBalance, BodyPump, BodyAttack and BodyCombat) are taking Abu Dhabi by storm. I was told at the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club that BodyPump is their most popular class, and it’s only a matter of time before BodyBollywood starts. Now that I’ve had a taste of it, I know what all the fuss is about. The emphasis is on workout rather than grace. If you prefer something where the priorities are the other way around, look for classes in salsa, ballet, African dance, belly dance, hip-hop, or ballroom dance. You are sure to find something of interest at Samurai Sports Club or the Yoga Tree. Or, if you’re allergic to gyms, Expressions of Dance and Drama offers classes for adults in eight styles.

Beat-based ways to get your body moving are effective and exciting. Anissa Lickrish, a retired professional ballet dancer and current Pilates instructor at the Yoga Tree, says: “Dancing is a really fun way to do your cardio. If you’re bored by running and can’t stand cardio machines at the gym, dancing is a great alternative. You can change it up every time so you never get bored.”