The rise of jazz was in the 1920s, and ever since it has been one of the most beloved styles of dance out there. Today, you can find many different styles of jazz to best suit your preferred style of dance and music. There’s classic jazz, contemporary jazz, latin jazz, street jazz, and more.
Whether you’re ready to try jazz for the first time, return to it after a break, or are simply looking for a fun way to keep fit, here are 8 reasons why you should find a class near you as soon as possible.
1. There’s a Style of Jazz for Everyone
As we touched on above, there are many forms of jazz to choose from depending on where you live and your preferred styles of dance and music. If you aren’t interested in the classical jazz you can find in many Broadway musicals, you could try commercial jazz, where you’ll dance like the Jacksons or even Britney Spears, or Afro-Jazz, which is a fusion of jazz and African dance.
2. It’s Affordable
Dance is generally affordable to get into, but there are plenty of hobbies and sports that aren’t. A good set of jazz shoes will only cost you around $30, and you can wear any other comfortable clothes for most classes.
3. Get a Dancer’s Body
Dancing is a great way to get fit and healthy, and it also shares many of the benefits of yoga, in that it lengthens and strengthens your muscles, without giving your body a certain “look,” which you may not want. Dancers are generally lean and long, with great posture, and who doesn’t want that?
4. It’s a Ton of Fun!
Jazz is a ton of fun! How many opportunities do we as adults get to just let go? Often, we’re getting pulled into a game with our kids or trying to be the parent in a situation, and it’s a lot of fun to move your body in new ways and see what feels right.
5. It’s a Great Stress Reliever
Our lives are often stressful, and heading to jazz class is just as good for your mind as heading into the gym to run or lift weights. As soon as you step into your jazz shoes, you’ll be able to forget about the stresses of the day and put them aside for an hour or so. When you finish, those stresses will likely seem much more manageable, thanks to the flood of endorphins dancing gives you!
6. Develop a New Skill
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and only develop the skills we already have. Picking up jazz will allow you to develop a whole new skill. You’ll learn how to do new movements and steps, you’ll start being able to put the movements together in your mind, and you’ll feel more confident in your ability to dance whenever you have the chance to.
7. Become More Self-Confident
It’s far easier to develop insecurities than it is to develop confidence. That’s why it’s so important to do things that make you feel good and build your confidence. Jazz is a style of dance that will develop your confidence without pushing you too far out of your comfort zone too soon, helping you feel happier in your own skin.
8. Find New Friends
Meeting new friends when you’re an adult is hard. Often, the only way we meet new friends is through our kids, partners, or work. Taking up jazz dancing is a great way to meet new people and develop lasting friendships.
It can be difficult to try something new, but it is so worth it to step outside of your comfort zone! Jazz dancing is fun, good for your physical health, and good for your mental health, so find a class near you and give it a try as soon as you can!