Dancing is the rhythmic movement of a body to music in a specified space for the purposes of expressing an idea or emotion, exercising the body, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movements themselves. The art form is practiced by people of all ages in social settings, dance studios, community halls and even at home. Learning to dance is an excellent form of exercise that is suitable for any age and fitness level, and it is a great way to meet new people.
The earliest proof of structured dancing comes from the 9 thousand-year-old cave paintings in India, and dance has been used for both entertainment and religious ceremonies throughout history. In Ancient Egypt, dance was a central part of the dramatic performances that told mythological stories, and in Greece, the chorus through its dances reenacted the themes of drama during lyric interludes. In Europe during the medieval period, court ballets became popular and remained so until they faded out in favor of more informal dances that accompanied music such as the tango from Argentina or the folk dances inspired by popular music.
To learn to dance, first watch tutorial videos or find a video of a professional dancer performing the style you’ve chosen. Then practice the moves and steps with a partner or in a class until they become ingrained in your muscle memory. It can also be helpful to get a feel for the music that is typically played with this style of dancing, and count or tap your foot to the beat of the song while practicing.