Dance classes in London have always been popular. From the scandalous dancehalls of the 1920s and 30s to the wartime parties for the troops right through to the clubs of today, dance has always been a popular pastime in the big city, and in order to get full enjoyment from any activity, participants must first learn to do it well. That goes double for dancing, where at least one of the aims is usually to impress potential partners.
Ballroom and tango lessons in London are nothing new, but the nature of the most popular classes is changing slowly. The focus is shifting away from learning to dance for fun or to meet new people, and towards fitness, weight loss, and body toning. It makes sense- dance is an intense activity that burns a lot of calories fast. Professional dancers are well known for slim, muscular physiques.
Fitness dance classes in London also provide an alternative to running, cycling, and other outdoor fitness activities that are easiest and most enjoyable in less crowded, car-free areas. Jogging in an urban environment is often irritating at best and dangerous at worst, especially for busy women who need an evening fitness activity. Runners and cyclists in outlying areas can usually find safe, off-road routes more easily but muggers, careless drivers, and hard pavements all take their toll in the bigger cities.
The gym was the traditional solution, but few people regard an hour in the gym as fun. Many find it difficult to find the motivation to get in there and give themselves a really good workout- particularly when they are surrounded by much fitter, stronger people. Tango lessons are London’s solution. The classes are usually restricted to participants at a certain level, so everyone starts off on an equal footing, and they are much more fun than going to the gym alone.