A darling friend sent this clip to me via email this morning saying she thought I would enjoy it and boy was she right. It was titled “Why Fitness Centres Didn’t Exist In the 50′s” and if you watch it you will clearly see why! Dare you not to smile or tap your feet…
What a brilliant example this is how to move your body in a way that is fun, energetic and life affirming and most importantly, doesn’t involve any contraption like an ab-cruncher. Bonus points for the fact the men look so dapper and the women so vintage fantabulous.
Although the music is rock and roll the dancing you see is actually lindy hop – sometimes known as swing dancing. I used to do quite a bit of swing dancing a few years back and I found it to be the most wonderfully fun thing to do – and so great for my body image. It is not a style of dancing that requires you to be any particular size or shape and I often saw women and men on the dance floor who were all shapes, ages and sizes.
I don’t dance nearly as much any more as my hubby is a scaredy cat about dancing in public. I think I just may have to get him over that fear and drag him out sometime very soon!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
The women also have "curves" and butts
Julie Trevor, Vermont
LOVE it!
LOVE IT!! Like you, I used to do a lot more dancing when I was single (my hubby is afraid too). A couple of years ago he promised me that we'd take some dancing lessons together but so far I haven't taken him up on it. It's time!
Roni and Karen – I LOVE it too! Good luck with getting your hubby to lessons Karen. I'm certainly going to try with mine.
Great video and reminder that years ago we didn't drive everywhere, nor spend our evenings (and days) in front of the TV (and computer!).
Also reminder that 'exercise' can be fun!! It's about MOVING your body in a way that you enjoy…just see how happy they all were dancing! I love dancing and now will definitely try to do more — even if it's in front of my bedroom mirror like when I was a teenager
I absolutely love dancing, it's my #1 passion and as a curvy woman I think it's great to boost confidence and self-esteem…no matter your size. I just started teaching Caribbean dance couple months ago and can't wait to start again in January. Dancing is truly one of the best exercises around
Dineen – You are so right. Exercise should be fun. If it's not – then I would suggest someone is not doing the right kind for them.
Kimmoy – Caribbean dance! Now that sounds fun!
I used to do classical ballet, figure skating, gymnastics, tap, jazz and ballroom (at various times in my life, not all at once fortunately!)
Oh I miss it. I trampoline now and I love it! Dance is such an amazing and freeing way to move, to exercise.
Julie – drag dear hubby out of his hiding place! Dance apparently is also good for self esteem! (unless it's a classical ballet class…)