PHOTO: Leading an adult ballet and stretch class, Nursel Conrad (right), owner of Kerrville School of Dance, spreads the joy of movement.
As a busy adult, if you could take only one class, I know which one you would choose: dance.
I know that is true, because dance is the most popular class in every lifelong learning program, in every town, in every country. It always has been most popular, and continues to draw students regardless of the state of the economy, what’s on television, or the demographics of the community.
Why is that? I asked Nursel Conrad, owner of Kerrville School of Dance.
“Dance is a stress reliever,” she said. “It is something totally different in your life.”
Everyone should dance. In fact, Conrad believes “not dancing” is the anomaly.
“If you study ancient civilizations, they all get up and dance!” said Conrad, who is a native of Turkey where she performed with the National Ballet Company. “Dance is a connection, a language. When your body is active, your mind is active.”
Club Ed offers Country & Western, Tango, Swing, Ballet, Belly, Tap, Line, and Ballroom. The style of dance is less important than the fact that the students are dancing and moving. According to experts, dance promotes healthy habits, social skills, and self-confidence.
The physical benefits of dance are well known. Dance improves coordination, conditioning, flexibility, and strength. Moving across the floor also increases spatial awareness, toning, balance, and stamina.
But many overlook the mental and social benefits. Learning steps is proven to forge new neural pathways in the brain. Don’t believe it? Try learning how to “shuffle ball change” to Hit The Road Jack, or attempt to dip your tango partner with a rose clenched in your teeth. You will engage all your physical and mental facilities, or soon you’ll be looking for a new partner.
Dancing also improves your appreciation and awareness for music, rhythm, and creativity, not to mention improving your self-confidence.
One unexpected side effect is stress reduction. It’s hard to worry about your day when you are learning a complicated ballet turn.
The other pleasant surprise in a dance class is the level of social interaction. Dancing with a group is the very definition of esprit de corps. Conrad likes to use her dance classes to build that social interaction. After the last session, she often holds mixers, where all her students can gather to socialize and just dance. “Our duty and obligation in the dance world is to get our dancers out in the environment.”
To that end, many of Conrad’s adult students are surprised when they are told they will perform at her end-of-term recitals. Some want no part of getting up in front of a group to demonstrate their new talents. But most finally embrace it.
Her concerts - such as the popular White Christmas in the Hills - “gives students of every age and skill level the opportunity to get on stage and show what they have learned. It gives them self-confidence,” Conrad said.
Dance is also just fun.
“When I am teaching, I turn on the music and tell my students to imagine you are on the beach. It’s a cheap trip!” she said. “Just thinking of yourself is the most important thing.”
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