"Why I love dancing": Marilyn and Louise share their experiences

Marilyn: "Zumba makes me feel great"

“I have been doing Zumba for more than 10 years and really enjoy it", says Marilyn (fourth from right in the above photo of Marylin's Zumba group). "I have atrial fibrillation, for which I have a pacemaker fitted and I have had two mini strokes (TIAs). Luckily I had no lasting effects.

I usually attend an energetic Zumba class, which I really enjoy, but to preserve my back and knees, I step on the spot, rather than jump. The music is fun with a great beat. We dance to Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber and other modern pop. I also attend another Zumba class, where the music has a more Latin influence as the teacher is Venezuelan. The movements are based on salsa, and tango as well as modern dance.

I enjoy both classes but unfortunately they are both on the same day and time, so I have to alternate.

I do Zumba to keep fit, keep my weight down and for enjoyment. Zumba is also really good for my mental health. It makes me feel great and I never come out of a class without a smile on my face. Also, having to follow the teacher's steps and copy them is good mental exercise, especially as I get older! I would recommend it to anyone.”

Marilyn Edwards, 70, Great Bardfield, Essex 

Louisa: "Dancing doesn't feel like exercise"

“I don't find gym-type activities any fun unless there is music. I much prefer activities that don't 'feel like exercise' and dancing is my favourite.

Music is very important to me, and I find it easy to lose myself in the music and let my body move on autopilot. Music can help to maintain pace if you choose something with the right tempo. I used to take lessons in belly dance – it was unusual and fun. It was nice to do exercise with other ladies of different ages and the music and movements were enjoyable and easy to practise at home.

Find something you like doing and it won't be a chore. For myself music and movement go hand in hand and any kind of dancing is a great way to keep fit. I have hypertension and both my parents died of heart disease, so I dance to keep fit and well. Having a group or a friend to do it with helps because you encourage each other to keep going and you look forward to seeing each other and doing activities together.”

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Published December 2023