Getting In Shape With Ballroom Dancing

If you watched Dancing With The Stars, one thing you are sure to have noticed is how well-toned every dancer's body was. Oh yes, one got caught up with all the pizzazz that was built around the dancing in the show – the comments, the asides, the costumes – but it was the bodies that held your attention – the way they moved and the way they looked. No spare flesh to be seen anywhere, just sleek, perfectly toned and shaped arms, legs, abs. One reason is that ballroom dancing is really one of the best workouts there is.

To many of us who don't dance too often or too well, ballroom dancing is nice, slow and romantic, in a dimly lit dance floor or out in the moonlight. Well, trained ballroom dancers have a different story to tell. It's a hard job to dance well and as hard staying fit and abreast of the many who come into this world of perfect timing and perfect physique. All those moves, those twirls and those bends and twists give you much more of exercise than an aerobics class would.

Ballroom dancing is a good alternative to the gym if you are thinking of a bit more strenuous form of exercise. At a gym somehow you tend to notice just how good and toned everyone else looks and it could give you a complex if you have a lot of excess weight to shed. At a dance class however, the emphasis is on the moves rather than the exercise. It's also fun and you can go do it as a couple. It's great if you haven't found a fun way to exercise – you should go check it out.

The great thing is that you are burning as many calories as any other form of exercise like at the gym for instance. Well, sometimes even more. One session could mean that you burn anything between 200 to 400 calories, how much precisely would depend on the kind of dance you choose. Now this is like half an hour on the elliptical trainer or a brisk walk. Some energetic dances burn up even more calories.

Moreover, ballroom dancing exercises every part of your body – not just certain portions like at the gym when you are doing crunches or you are on the treadmill. Little wonder that professional ballroom dancers look so worked over and superbly toned from head to toe.

There could be more to make it even more enjoyable. Unlike any other form of exercise, you get teamed up with a partner – well you could go as a couple or you could just go and be paired off. Doing things together is great fun and who knows, you might just make friends who last a lot longer than your dance lessons. So get out there and dance your way to fitness!

Stars ready to hit the dance floor

Dancing with the Vernon Stars steps out in a different direction this year. In previous years, the stars have partnered with professional dance instructors to dazzle the judges and win audience votes. This year, five local celebrity couples have been taking lessons and are ready to show theyve got talent at the Aug. 20 event which is a fundraiser for the North Okanagan Hospice Society.

Beauty queen talks competition content

Learning dance routines, fitness regimes, grooming, primping and discussing social and political issues may sound like unusual combinations. But for a local beauty pageant contestant, its the norm.

Ballroom-gown designer invites local dancer to model

Those who know Denise Strother knows she's more than just the CEO of a real-estate company. She is also known for her ability to glide across the dance floor with her partner, Roland Bersch III of Roland's Dance Studio. It's no surprise that she's affectionately known as "Dancing Denise."

What's happening in and around New Orleans this weekend

Events not to miss in and around New Orleans.

Underwood's wedding details are revealed

Her dog is the only objector to last week's nuptials.