🌟 10 Ways to Kick Loneliness to the Curb! 🌟

Fostering meaningful social interactions, building a sense of community

SPONSORED BY FD FEST
Spotlight: Alleviating Loneliness
By Nicoloco · Oct 25th, 2024

Happy Friday! Word count: 1,415 words … 5.09 min. Copy edited by Nico

Hi there dance friends!

Looking to step off the couch and onto the dance floor, trading your cozy corners for connection? This edition of our newsletter is all about bringing people together, and we're thrilled to share how you can make meaningful connections in our community.

Whether you’re here to groove, laugh, find your tribe, or try out some new moves, we promise moments filled with joy, genuine connections, and maybe a few dance [LIFE] moves you never knew you had!

Dance Quote: "The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it."

By Peter Pan

LINE DANCE-VENTURES With The FDComm
UPCOMING - LINE DANCING Every Friday | 7:00 PM t o 8:00 PM

Not many people know this about me, I love listening to country music. I grew up listening to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and the song ‘Gambler’ was in every jukebox in the local pubs I visited on the slopes of Mt Kenya while in boarding school. So when I see country line dancing, I am usually one of the 1st people to jump in and join the fun.

Starting December 1st 2024, FDComm will be teaching weekly Line dances from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Line Dances will be taught to different music genres: Bachata, Salsa, AfroBeats, Cha Cha, Waltz, and of course Country Music.

For those people who are not quite ready to participate in partner dancing, we have a perfect way to begin your Friday evening, and yes, your weekend.

Share the word with your shy friends who believe they have two left feet. Allow their dance journey to begin here….

DANCE-VENTURES With The FDComm
10 Ways to Break Free from Loneliness

So, let’s talk about something we don’t usually see pirouetting around our dance floors—loneliness. Yep, that sneaky feeling we all experience now and then. Fortunately, the answer isn’t always more screen time (unless it’s dance videos, of course!). We’ve got 10 fantastic activities that connect people, spark joy, and help all of us build a community that feels like a second family. So, whether you're looking to meet new people, learn a skill, or just do something fun, here’s our “Anti-Loneliness Lineup” just for you.

1. Volunteering: Give Back, Feel Good!

Nothing combats loneliness quite like helping others. Volunteering gives you a shared goal and all the social time you could ask for. You’ll meet people who care about the same causes you do, and hey, you might just make a friend or two. Bonus points if your volunteer gig has snacks.

Rating: ★★★★★ - Community-building perfection!

2. Joining Clubs or Groups: Find Your People!

Whether it's a book club, a cooking club, or (hint hint) a dance group, joining a club is like getting a VIP pass to social interactions galore. Clubs bring people together around shared interests, so you’re bound to connect with folks who “get” you. Check out local options, and don’t be afraid to try something new!

Rating: ★★★★★ - Hobby AND friend potential? Count us in.

3. Dance Classes & Social Dancing: Rhythm & Connection

Okay, you KNEW this one was coming, right? Dance classes are designed to get you moving, grooving, and interacting! Whether it's Salsa, Bachata, or West Coast Swing, you’ll not only learn to dance but also meet a whole community of people ready to share a spin. And if you’re ever shy, remember: two left feet are welcome here!

Rating: ★★★★☆ - You don’t just learn steps—you make connections.

4. Group Exercise: Sweat it Out, Together!

Yoga, CrossFit, Zumba—take your pick. There’s something powerful about sweating it out side-by-side. Group exercises offer a mix of motivation and camaraderie, and who knows? Your future BFF might just be on the yoga mat next to you!

Rating: ★★★★☆ - Health goals + social vibes = a winning combo.

5. Support Groups: Share, Support, Repeat

Joining a support group means connecting on a deeper level. These groups are all about sharing experiences, offering encouragement, and building a strong support system. If you need a place to feel understood, a support group is your go-to.

Rating: ★★★★★ - True empathy, deep bonds.

6. Pet Adoption: The Paw-fect Solution

Pets might not talk back (unless you’re a bird owner), but they do bring a world of companionship. Adopt a pet, and you’ll always have a buddy around! Plus, pets have a way of making human friends too. Dog parks, pet stores, and walks around town suddenly turn into social events.

Rating: ★★★★☆ - Furry friends forever!

7. Traveling: Make New Connections, Near and Far

Travel is more than seeing sights—it’s a way to meet new people. Group tours, hostels, or even local meet-ups at your destination can turn any trip into a mini social adventure. Just remember, the world’s a lot friendlier when you’re open to saying “hi” first.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ - Adventure with a side of new friends.

8. Music or Choir Groups: Harmonize with New Friends

Singing in harmony isn’t just about hitting the right notes; it’s about hitting those social chords too! Joining a music or choir group lets you share a passion for melodies, and when everyone works together for that perfect sound, you form connections that are chef’s kiss.

Rating: ★★★★★ - Music heals, and so do the friendships it brings.

9. Cooking Classes: Chop, Chat, & Chow Down

Cooking classes bring people together through food—aka, the universal language of happiness. From learning to chop like a pro to sampling each other's dishes, there’s something heartwarming about cooking in a group. You’re bound to walk away with full hearts and full bellies!

Rating: ★★★★☆ - Friends who cook together, stay together.

10. Art Classes: Express & Connect

Art classes give you space to create, express, and connect. Even if your “self-portrait” looks more like a stick figure, you’ll still bond over creativity and expression. Plus, nothing breaks the ice quite like sharing your own little masterpiece with the world.

Rating: ★★★★☆ - Creativity that connects.

Make Your Story a Flying Dance Story

Wrapping up, there is Magic to the word ‘Community’. Life’s better when shared, and these activities prove it. Whether you’re volunteering, dancing, adopting a pet, or harmonizing with a choir, there’s a whole world of connection out there waiting for you. At Flying Dance, we’re here to support every step, every shimmy, and every new friendship along the way. So go out there, try something new, and know you’re never truly alone.

DANCE-VENTURES With The FDComm
FALL 2 DANCE SESSION (November & December ‘24)

Here is the breakdown

8 or 16-Week Sessions Schedule for Group Lessons | GUELPH
Salsa Dancing - Levels 1 to 4 on Tuesday evenings | Oct. 29th to Dec. 17th
Bachata Dancing - Levels 1 to 4 on Tuesday evenings | Oct. 29th to Dec. 17th

Ballroom Line Dance Lessons - All Levels on Wednesday evenings | Oct. 30th to Nov. 20th
Ballroom Partner Dance Lessons - Bronze Levels on Wednesday evenings | Oct. 30th to Nov. 20th

Modern Dance Lessons - All Levels | Monday, November 4th to 25th
West Coast Swing Dancing - Levels 1 & 2 on Monday evenings | November 18th, ‘24 to January 20th, ‘25

8 or 16-Week Sessions Schedule for Group Lessons | GEORGETOWN
Salsa Dancing - Levels 1 to 4 on Tuesday evenings | Oct. 29th to Dec. 17th
Bachata Dancing - Levels 1 to 4 on Tuesday evenings | Oct. 29th to Dec. 17th

8 or 16-Week Sessions Schedule for Group Lessons | MILTON
Salsa Dancing - Levels 1 to 4 on Tuesday evenings | Oct. 29th to Dec. 17th
Bachata Dancing - Levels 1 to 4 on Tuesday evenings | Oct. 29th to Dec. 17th

DANCE-VENTURES With The FDComm
Novembers’ Themed Event: Great Gatsby Latin Fiesta!

Practice, Practice, Practice, and Let’s Help Perfect Your New Dance Skill

Friday Night Salsa Fix (FNSF) in Guelph - Start off your weekend every week with a smile. Weekly

Sunday Salsa Practica (SSP) in Guelph - A more laid-back setting, perfect for refining techniques and enjoying a relaxing afternoon of dance - no flashing lights, or loud music. Bi-Monthly

Saturday Night Salsa Fix (SNSF) in Milton - If you can’t make it out on a Friday night, join us on Saturday evening as we dance, connect, and enjoy the energy of our vibrant dance community. Monthly

DANCE-VENTURES In The Community
Where Else Can I Dance?

La Pachanga Salsa Social | Waterloo, On
Salsa Night Dancing | London, On
• The Sunday Mid-Day Fix | Waterloo, On
𝗗𝗧𝗞 Wednesdays Salsa Bachata Zouk Kiz

THAT'S THE HEART OF IT!
We update some sections regularly and love to keep things fresh and exciting. We hope you enjoy the variety!

P.S. Expect to hear from us weekly in your inbox, with the occasional extra update when something exceptionally great comes up 🥰

♥️ Looking forward to our next connection in your inbox!