Come Dance With Me

What can be more fun than dancing?

Ballroom dancing in particular provides a host of benefits for young people such as improved flexibility, an increase in strength, endurance and muscle tone, as well as a reduction in stress and anxiety.

Dance Domain Namibia in Windhoek offers ballroom dancing classes specifically for young people. And with a wealth of experience, having opened in 2006, Dance Domain is the biggest and only international qualified ballroom dance school in Namibia, specialising in 22 different dance styles.

Co-owner and operator Christie Mostert says ballroom dancing is an excellent resource for children to overcome shyness and social awkwardness.

“The child will develop improved self-confidence and communication skills. With ballroom dancing children will be taught honour and respect so that they may accept others even if they are different. Boys will learn from an early stage how to take the lead and take charge and how to lead a lady like a true gentleman,” Mostert said.

He points out that it is often easier for younger people to learn dance, which is why they started the children’s classes. He recommends students start as early as four years old.

“This however does not mean that you are too old to start any other time you want. This beautiful dance is for everyone. We have a saying, ‘if you can walk you can dance’.”

Mostert says ballroom dancing comprises of a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed, both socially and competitively, around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom is also widely enjoyed on stage, film and television.

He believes the more time and effort you put into your dance skills, the better you will become. He says everyone has their own personal reasons for taking up ballroom dancing, such as a deep love for dance or a desire for fitness.

However he points out that ballroom dancing is also great for those who may struggle to work as part of a team.

“It is leisurely and relaxing. It offers a great workout for the body and mind. Ballroom dancing requires you to hook up with a partner so it’s a fine activity for developing teamwork skills and cooperation, and builds major self confidence,” he said.

For Mostert one of the most rewarding aspects of being a dance teacher is seeing how dancers improve over time.

“There is nothing more pleasing than seeing a student finally able to perform a certain skill after months of practice. Another benefit is seeing your students grow personally. I feel great joy and happiness when I see insecure students gaining confidence and shy students making friends. As a dance teacher, you are responsible for making it all happen and I find pure joy in every second,” he said.

Mostert’s love for ballroom dancing started when he was 13 years old. He and his sisterlearned to dance by watching instructinal videos.

They decided to open a dance studio because there was no other school teaching the basics of ballroom in Namibia, and they felt there was nothing else they’d rather do for the rest of their lives.

He’s pleased at the growth of their dance school over the years. When they first opened they only had five students, and today they boast over 78. “Ballroom dance was registered as a sport in 2018,” he points out. “Our biggest challenge is financially. We compete yearly in the biggest international dance championships and this is really expensive. We are representing our country without any support for our government. If we really want to change and better the industry then we should all dance more,” he said.

For more information email dancedomainnam@gmail.com.na or find them on Facebook.

– @rineldamouton on social media

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