Dance Yourself Happy!
You don’t need to be an ex-dancer to enjoy seniors’ dance classes. You don’t have to be thin or even fit. All you need is the desire to have fun doing safe, low-impact dance moves to music.
Whether you’ve always wanted to dance but never had the chance, or you danced up a storm in your youth but haven’t danced since — it’s never too late to express your inner dancer.
Join one of our dance classes at U3A Melbourne City, or browse our list of seniors’ dance classes elsewhere in Melbourne and across Victoria.
Why Dance?
- Because dancing is one of the most effective exercises to ward off Alzheimers;
- Because you want to learn something new and hang out with like-minded people in a welcoming community;
- Because you want to keep your mind and body fit and active;
- Because you need some “me” time;
- Because you love to move, and you’re not going to let your arthritic knee or your two left feet hold you back!
You may be thinking…
I don’t have the right gymwear or the right shoes
If you want to dig out your legwarmers from the Jane Fonda days, feel free! However for most seniors’ classes, all you need to get started is loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that stay securely on your feet.
I’m too old
No! If a class is labelled “seniors”, it’s designed for older adults and welcomes students in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
If you’re considering joining an adult class (i.e. one that accepts adults of all ages, not just seniors), then please speak to the instructor before you sign up, to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
I’m too unfit/too inflexible
Unlikely. Seniors’ dance classes are usually slower paced and ‘low impact’ (no jumping). There are even classes you can do seated in a chair.
Always ask the instructor if in doubt. Most will be happy for you to attend a single class to see if it suits you.
About Me
Hi, I’m Dorothy. I teach Dance Fitness as a volunteer at U3A Melbourne City.
I’ve danced for most of my adult life. I trained as a dance aerobics instructor in the 1980s, but gave it up when my corporate job became too demanding. I never stopped being a student, though, dancing everything from ballet to belly dance (the photo is of me dancing flamenco in my 40s).
In my 60s, with creaky knees, I began to find adult dance classes frustrating. Watching younger dancers fly effortlessly across the room only reminded me what I could no longer do.
My solution was to start teaching myself again, but I’m also on a mission to encourage more Melbourne dance studios to offer classes for seniors. Looking at other cities in Australia and around the world, where seniors’ dance classes are full to bursting, I’m sure there is a pent-up demand. To that end, I’ve created a directory on this website to help seniors find classes.
Photos courtesy of Freepik.com