Backstreet dance, Cairns

Our Inspiration

DEVELOP A HEALTHY AND POSITIVE BODY IMAGE

Taryn was name 2023 Australian of the Year. She has created resources for children, Parents and Teachers to EMBRACE your body. Backstreet Dance refer to her resources a lot in the classes.

You can find her website HERE

10 quick ways to have spark and personality in your dancing

1. Don’t be afraid of facial expressions.
2. Add in a wink or two – gives your moves some flare
3. Use your eyes, they can tell a story.
4. Use your head to finish off moves – doing an arabesque? Look up at your fingers.
5. SMILE!!!!
6. Have fun with it, you can always tell who is having fun while they’re dancing.
7. Be present
8. Take up space – try extending your arms more.
9. Posture, stand tall and smile
10. Confidence – you’ve got this!

Written by Leah Walker (Assistant Teacher)

calling all adults- It’s your time to shine!

 Written By: Sam Brown, Dance Teacher (featured in photo above)

Contrary to popular belief, dance classes are not just for kids. Dance is for people of all ages, sizes and levels- and that includes you, adults!

Whether you used to dance as a kid, you only dance when no one is watching, or you’ve never danced at all, this is your call to action.

These are my top 4 reasons why adults should take dance classes.

1. Building community

We all know that it’s harder to make new friends as we get older. Joining a dance class is a great way to meet amazing new people who have things in common with you.

Taking on a new challenge and learning the choreography together is a wonderful way to bring the class closer. And, at a studio like Backstreet, Deb goes the extra mile to plan adult socials each term. I’ve met some fabulous people through dance, and I look forward to seeing them each week.

2. Physical and mental health benefits

Physical activity, including dance, provides you with a range of fantastic physical health benefits including¹:

• Improved muscle tone and strength
• Improved condition of heart and lungs
• Better coordination, agility, and flexibility
• Weight management

Dance has also shown to have a positive impact on the brain and mental wellbeing:

• A study discovered that dance can improve brain health as it involves both mental effort and social interaction. This kind of stimulation can help reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia. ²
• Dance can reduce stress, increase serotonin levels, and help develop new neural connections. ²
• The exercise “high” helps you connect with others³
• Moving with others builds trust and belonging³
• It can transform your self-image³

These biological benefits are all things we strive for as adults! Check out the further reading at the end of the article if you want to discover more about the science behind dance.

3. Challenge yourself and take a risk in a safe space

Many adults are hesitant about joining a dance class. They have a thousand excuses not to, but in the end it all comes down to fear- fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of embarrassment. But, as Michelle Obama says, “In trying to spare yourself the worry and discomfort of taking a risk, you’re potentially costing yourself an opportunity. In clinging only to what you know, you are making your world small. You are robbing yourself of chances to grow.”

Take this as a chance to grow and express yourself! Don’t let fear hold you back- embrace it. Tango with it. Pirouette, fan kick and krump all over fear and you’ll discover how much fun dance can be.

If you’re going to take a risk and try out dance, then Backstreet is the place to do it. It is the most welcoming, inclusive, non-judgemental and fun dance studio I’ve ever been to (and I’ve danced in 6 countries). You can do a trial for the first class of the term to see if it’s the right fit for you- but the first step is taking that risk and showing up. We’d love to see you there!

4. It’s FUN!

Walk into any adult dance class at Backstreet and you’ll witness a mixture of smiles, laughs, squeals and super focussed faces. We take on the challenge of the choreography, but we have fun doing it.

As an adult, you rarely have the opportunity to get glammed up in full costume. It’s so much fun to showcase everything you’ve learnt and perform your routine on stage with your friends. Adrenaline is pumping, serotonin and dopamine levels are at an all-time high, and you leave the stage feeling on top of the world.

If you’re apprehensive about getting on stage, you always have the option to not perform. However, you may find that as you become more confident in yourself and in the moves, you’ll be excited (and still nervous, which is okay) to show off your new skills! Remember, you perform as a group and everyone has your back. It’s ok to make mistakes on stage and there are no expectations to be perfect!

So, adults, I challenge you to:

• Try something new!
• Take a risk and step outside of your comfort zone.
• If you find the choreography challenging, embrace the challenge, ask for help, practise, and persevere until you show those moves who’s boss.
• Talk to the other people in your class- make connections

If you’re looking for a fun, safe and welcoming studio to get your groove on as an adult, then come down and join our Backstreet family. You won’t regret it!

Adult dance styles offered at Backstreet:

• Jazz/Funk (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• Hip Hop (beginner, advanced)
• Heels (beginner/intermediate, advanced)
• Contemporary (advanced) 

Further reading:

¹Dance – health benefits – Better Health Channel

²Dancing and the Brain | Harvard Medical School

³Five Surprising Ways Exercise Changes Your Brain (berkeley.edu)