ExerciseExplorer
A mixed-age group dancing together and laughing in a bright hall

Categories / Dance

Dance

Dance classes and social dancing. Fun, sociable and good for fitness, balance and mood at any age.

Dance is one of the most enjoyable ways to get fit, because the music and the company make the time fly. Our 16 dance exercises include ballroom, Latin, line dancing, Zumba-style fitness, ballet-inspired classes, street styles and social dancing, so there is something for every taste, age and fitness level.

Dancing builds aerobic fitness, coordination and balance, and it lifts the mood. Each guide below explains how to start, how to progress and what to expect from classes. Compare the options to find a style you will want to keep coming back to.

Which dance option suits you?

Answer what you can. We pick the best match from the 16 below. Your answers are saved on this device only, so the rest of the site can use them.

Where can you dance? (tick all that apply)
Anything we should allow for? (optional)

16 regimes

Dance

Zumba

Latin-inspired dance fitness.

50 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Aerobics Classes

Choreographed cardio to music.

45 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Step Aerobics

Choreography on a raised step.

45 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Salsa

Social partner dance with Latin rhythms.

60 min × 1/wkEffort ●●○○○Low cost
Dance

Swing and Lindy Hop

Energetic social dancing to swing music.

60 min × 1/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Line Dancing

Group dancing in lines, no partner needed.

60 min × 1/wkEffort ●●○○○Low cost
Dance

Ballet (Adult)

Classical technique classes for adults.

60 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Hip-Hop Dance

Street dance styles, classes or at home.

60 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Contemporary Dance

Expressive modern dance.

60 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Tap Dance

Rhythmic footwork with metal-tipped shoes.

60 min × 1/wkEffort ●●○○○Low cost
Dance

Pole Fitness

Strength and flexibility moves on a vertical pole.

60 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●●○Moderate cost
Dance

Belly Dance

Isolations and flowing movement.

60 min × 1/wkEffort ●●○○○Low cost
Dance

Bhangra

Energetic Punjabi dance workout.

50 min × 1/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Dance

Irish Dance

Fast footwork and posture-based dancing.

60 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●●○Low cost

Dance: pros and cons

What to like and what to watch for, so you can decide whether this type of exercise is right for you.

Best for: People who find exercise boring and would rather have fun, music and company.

Pros

  • Fun and sociable, which makes it easy to stick with
  • Works fitness, coordination and balance together
  • Huge range of styles and intensities, from ballroom to Zumba
  • Little or no equipment needed

Cons

  • Classes cost money and run at fixed times
  • The first few lessons can feel awkward while you learn the steps
  • Some styles are hard on ankles and knees
Compare with the other 18 categories →