Is 40 Too Old to Start Dancing?
The short and most obvious answer is a boisterous, “Not at all!” But perhaps it may not be quite so obvious to you. There are so many benefits to dancing, so before you go and throw out the baby with the bath water let’s talk about what some of those benefits are, and why any age is the best age to start dancing.
Physical Benefits
Dancing over the age of 40 has numerous physical benefits. It’s an excellent way to not only improve your cardiovascular health but also your flexibility and strength. It helps keep you active, which is crucial for maintaining overall well-being as you age. Neuroscientists have recently revealed that the number one exercise for slowing down the aging process is dance. It helps increase agility, flexibility, and cognitive function.
Mental Health Benefits
Dancing releases dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. The DOSE chemicals are known as natural chemical drugs. They work together to create our “happy”. The quickest way to activate them is to move your body. Dancing is the perfect catalyst to pull you out of any mental funk, so turn on your favorite track, get out of your head and into your body and get your happiness on!
Career
You may not become a professional dancer at the age of 40, but if that’s your goal don’t rule it out. There are many professional dancers that dance well into their 50’s! It ultimately depends on your desire, willingness to work for it, and understanding that you may not be able to perform at the same level as an 18-year-old dancer, fresh out of High School. That doesn’t mean the industry can’t use what you have. Set realistic goals, find a mentor to help you achieve them, and go for it! For example, Kim Hale who danced professionally for 10 years until life had other plans for her and now, at the age of 55, is inspiring and mentoring others in their pursuit of dance as a career at any age.
Connection
Taking dance lessons is a great way to meet new people and form new connections. Dance can be fun and social and has been known to reduce a feeling of loneliness and isolation. You don’t have to be a social butterfly to take dance lessons, but being surrounded by like-minded people, who just want to learn something new and love to move can help give one a sense of understanding and belonging.
At the end of the day, dance doesn’t care how old you are, so don’t give it a second thought. Take Kerry Burnett, for instance. She's a 53 year old pole-dancing grandma from England who is now in the best shape of her life. There are so many different styles of dance and all of them cater to any age and any ability, so if your inner child has always wanted to learn how to dance, all you need is a positive attitude and the willingness to take the first step.
If you're ready to put on your dancin' shoes, we'd love to help you get your groove on. Get Started with us today!