Dancing Through Winter

FDFEST UPDATES
West Coast Swing Lesson | Saturday, June 22nd

Yes, I know we are in the middle of winter, but I am excited to confirm that Mikaela Lewis, director of Remix Swing will be teaching a WCS workshop during this year’s FDFest Celebrations at Goldie Mill Ruins.

Mikaela moved to the Guelph/KW Area and started teaching with the Flying Dance Community in the summer of 2022 during our outdoor Moonlight Dancing events. We look forward to learning and dancing with her again this Summer.

Moonlight Dancing Schedule: starts Tuesday, June 4th with some Cha Cha Dancing. The outdoor event runs on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Dancing Through Winter
A Salsa Dancer's Quest for Complementary Fitness

This past week’s winter chill, with its short days and extra cold long nights, I found myself, a salsa dancer, in search of additional activity to maintain my fitness and health during these colder months. Salsa dancing, with its vibrant energy and rhythm, has always been my go-to for everything, staying in shape and happy. However, the winter season calls for something more, a complementary exercise that not only keeps me physically active but also expands my mind to explore something new. To this end, I embarked on a journey to compare salsa dancing with various winter activities, aiming to find the perfect balance of cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.

Salsa Dancing vs. Nature Hike or Winter Walk

First, I looked at salsa dancing in comparison to nature hikes or winter walks. Salsa dancing is a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that engages multiple muscle groups, improving coordination, balance, and flexibility. Its rhythmic, fast-paced movements lead to significant calorie burn. On the other hand, nature hikes or winter walks are moderate in intensity but excellent for cardiovascular health, especially on varied terrain. They improve lower body muscle strength and enhance endurance.

Salsa Dancing vs. Ice Skating

Comparing salsa dancing with ice skating, I found that while ice skating provides a good cardiovascular workout, focusing on lower body strength, balance, and endurance, its intensity often doesn't reach the constant movement and engagement of salsa dancing. Plus, I am African, skating is a foreign language to me, lol.

Salsa Dancing vs. Indoor Rock Climbing

Then came indoor rock climbing, a contrast to the aerobic focus of salsa. It's a strength-based activity, targeting the upper body, core, and legs, while enhancing flexibility and problem-solving skills. Though it offers some cardiovascular benefits, its primary focus is muscle strengthening and endurance.

Salsa Dancing vs. Yoga or Pilates Class

Yoga or Pilates, known for their focus on flexibility, core strength, balance, and mental well-being, provide moderate physical fitness benefits. However, they are less cardiovascular-intensive compared to salsa dancing.

Salsa Dancing vs. Bike Ride

Cycling offers excellent cardiovascular health and lower body strength benefits. Depending on the intensity and terrain, it can be comparable to salsa in terms of aerobic exercise. However, salsa also involves upper body movement and coordination, providing a more comprehensive workout.

Salsa Dancing vs. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is effective for leg workouts and moderate cardio activity, particularly in deep snow or challenging terrain. However, it usually doesn't match the intensity level of salsa dancing in terms of continuous movement and full-body engagement.

Conclusion

After comparing salsa dancing with various winter activities, I have decided to stick with salsa for its superior cardiovascular and full-body workout benefits. However, recognizing the strength-building advantages of indoor rock climbing, I plan to incorporate it into my routine. This combination will not only keep me fit physically but also ensure mental agility during the winter months. Salsa dancing will continue to provide rhythm to my winter days, while rock climbing will add a new dimension of strength and endurance to my fitness regimen.

DANCE.VENTURES
Where Can I Dance Tonight? 

• Tonight, Friday, January 19th: The Great Latin Fiesta
• Saturday, January 20th: Dance Legion 519
• Saturday, January 27th: Salsa Klandestina @ the FDComm Studio