"When you do a dance lesson, the real world disappears"

Those were the words of Ron Kellen, the Ballroom Dance Instructor at the Adult Center. He said when individuals become involved with partner dancing, it gets them out of the house and forces them to socialize. He called ballroom dancing "pure therapy" because it's mentally, physically and socially healthy.

Marti Henshaw is a physical therapist and a ballroom dance instructor at the Adult Center. She said ballroom dancing can be positive, especially for seniors, because it helps with posture and balance, therefore decreasing the risk of falls.

In addition, she said partner dancing helps increase flexibility and coordination. And the best aspect: partner dancing is definitely more sociable than going to the gym.

If you're an older, single male, you will not be sitting down," she said.

Both Henshaw and Kellen agreed that ballroom dancing is a great outlet for any level of student. Beginners can move slower and gradually advance to higher levels on their own. Generally inactive individuals don't have to dance at the same speed as more advanced students. Yet either way, the student will feel the workout.

"If you dance a really good waltz, you can be out of breath in three minutes," Kellen said.

Fore more information on partner dancing, call the Adult Center at 778-3000.