With the resurgence in popularity of dancing—thank you Dancing With the Stars—not only have people rediscovered how cool it is to KNOW how to dance, but they've discovered how much fun it is. When there's music at weddings and other celebrations it adds something to "LIFE" to be able to get on that dance floor and feel confident that you look good while you’re having a ball instead of sitting on the sidelines WATCHING everyone else have fun. But did you know what amazing health benefits come with the fun?

With the pressures of job and social obligations tugging us every which way, it’s more and more difficult to find time for exercise. Dancing works like a stress and tension reducer. That’s what makes it the ideal exercise! When you take dance lessons, you make exercise a fun and enjoyable social event. And, isn’t it time you had even more fun during all the gala events this season? So aside from the fun, aside from the enjoyment of being able to participate, here is a compilation of the many valuable physical and mental benefits derived from learning to dance.

Healthier heart and lungs - Regular cardiovascular exercise, like vigorous dancing, can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and an improved cholesterol profile. Dance is considered to be one of the top five physical activities, out of 60 studied! Looking cool is a bonus!

Improved balance, coordination, agility, and flexibility - Because you are moving so differently than you do in other tasks, dancing will challenge your spatial awareness, giving you a better understanding and comfort in maneuvering your own body especially when a partner is involved. In pursuing a greater understanding of dance technique, character, timing and style, you'll discover that it will challenge you while helping you gain better coordination, agility, and flexibility.

Improved mental functioning - Ballroom is good for your brain. Brain plasticity, and therefore mental acuity, is greatly increased as a result of learning to dance. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that dancing can diminish the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Improved emotional well-being - Endorphins, the “feel good” hormones, are released into the body during your dancing elevating your mood. Dance provides an emotional outlet in which a person can truly reflect his or her feelings through body movement. Dancers possess an aura of self-confidence and an ability to enjoy themselves more in social situations.

Stress management/ weight loss - Dancing demands your attention. It will divert your thoughts from daily stresses and push aside all other thoughts. During a half-hour of sustained dancing you can burn between 200 and 400 calories. Imagine what a whole night of dancing can do for you!

Rehabilitation - Ballroom dancing is based on the natural movement of the body. If you’re recovering from heart or joint surgery, dance becomes a “movement therapy” which can help you regain lost mobility or strength without the risk of re-injury that many other sports or activities would have. Your range of motion increases when you dance and many of those “phantom” aches and stiffness disappear!

Sociability - Dancing offers a social component that solitary fitness endeavors don’t. It gives you an opportunity to develop social skills that contribute to self-esteem and a positive outlook. Dance is a worldwide expression and there’s nothing like traveling and being able to recognize and dance to the exciting rhythms of different cultures, enjoy your vacations more and feel like you fit in wherever you go.

Strengthen intimate relationships - Dancing is a great way to spend some quality time with a spouse or loved one working as a team, enjoying each other’s company and sharing lots of fun and excitement. Relationships develop even deeper bonds of respect, trust, communication and confidence.

So whether you grab your partner, get paired up with someone or try it solo, dance your way to a healthier, happier you in 2012!

Scott Lappin is a local ballroom instructor who has been dancing and teaching for the past 30 years. From beginner to advanced, from the wedding couple to the competition student, Scott offers a level of instruction that will enhance performance, comfort and confidence on the dance floor. He teaches at studios in Boca Raton and Coconut Creek. For info and to schedule a lesson, call 561.901.6711 or visit www.ScottLappin.com.