Horsham is a vibrant town located in West Sussex, England, and it is home to an exciting and thriving ballroom dancing scene. Ballroom dancing in Horsham has been a popular pastime for many years and is a great way to meet new people, have fun, and stay active.
The Horsham Ballroom Dancing Club meets every Thursday evening at the Horsham Community Centre. The club offers a range of classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Classes are taught by experienced and qualified instructors, and the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.
The club also organises regular social dances and competitions, giving dancers the opportunity to show off their skills and meet new people. The club also offers a range of workshops and masterclasses, giving dancers the chance to learn new skills and techniques.
Types of Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom dancing in Horsham includes a range of different styles, such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, and Viennese Waltz. There are also more modern styles such as the Cha Cha, Rumba, and Salsa.
Dress Code
When attending a ballroom dancing event in Horsham, it is important to dress appropriately. For men, this usually means wearing a suit or smart trousers and shirt, while women should wear a dress or skirt and top. Shoes should be comfortable and non-slip, as ballroom dancing requires a lot of movement.
Types of ballroom dances popular in Horsham
Horsham is a great place for ballroom dancing enthusiasts, as there are a variety of dances to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of ballroom dancing in the area:
Waltz
The Waltz is a graceful and romantic dance which originated in Austria in the late 1700s. It is a classic ballroom dance that is still popular today. It is a three-count dance, with a slow-quick-slow rhythm.
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is a smooth and elegant dance which originated in the early 1900s. It is a four-count dance, with a slow-quick-quick rhythm. It is often considered the most popular ballroom dance.
Tango
The Tango is a passionate and dramatic dance which originated in Argentina in the late 1800s. It is a four-count dance, with a slow-quick-quick-slow rhythm. It is characterized by its dramatic pauses and intricate footwork.
Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a fast and exciting dance which originated in Vienna in the early 1800s. It is a three-count dance, with a quick-quick-quick rhythm. It is known for its rapid spins and turns.
Benefits of Ballroom Dancing in Horsham
1. Improved Physical Health
Ballroom dancing is a great way to improve physical health and fitness. It helps to improve posture, balance, coordination, and strength. It also helps to reduce stress and tension, and can help to improve overall cardiovascular health.
2. Improved Mental Health
Ballroom dancing is known to have positive effects on mental health. It can help to reduce anxiety and depression, and can increase self-confidence and self-esteem. It can also help to improve memory and concentration, and can help to improve overall mental wellbeing.
3. Social Benefits
Ballroom dancing is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. It can also help to improve communication and social skills. It is also a great way to have fun and enjoy yourself, and can provide an opportunity to socialise with other people who share the same interest.
Where to find ballroom dance classes in Horsham
Horsham is a popular destination for ballroom dancing in the UK. There are a number of excellent venues offering classes for all levels of experience. Here are some of the best places to find ballroom dance classes in Horsham.
Horsham Dance Centre
The Horsham Dance Centre offers a variety of classes for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced dancers. They offer classes in a range of ballroom styles, including tango, waltz, foxtrot, and cha-cha. They also offer classes in Latin American styles, such as salsa, samba, and merengue. The centre is located in the town centre and is open seven days a week.
Horsham Ballroom Dance Club
The Horsham Ballroom Dance Club is a great place to learn the basics of ballroom dancing. They offer classes in a range of styles, including waltz, foxtrot, tango, and cha-cha. The club is open to all levels of experience and is located in the town centre.
Horsham Ballroom Dance Academy
The Horsham Ballroom Dance Academy is a great place to learn more advanced ballroom styles. They offer classes in a range of styles, including waltz, foxtrot, tango, and cha-cha. They also offer classes in Latin American styles, such as salsa, samba, and merengue. The academy is open six days a week and is located in the town centre.
Horsham Dance School
The Horsham Dance School offers classes for all levels of experience. They offer classes in a range of ballroom styles, including tango, waltz, foxtrot, and cha-cha. They also offer classes in Latin American styles, such as salsa, samba, and merengue. The school is open six days a week and is located in the town centre.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Ballroom Dancing in Horsham
1. Find a Partner
Finding a partner for ballroom dancing is essential. If you don’t have a partner, you can find one in Horsham by joining a local ballroom dancing group or class. This will give you the opportunity to meet other like-minded people and make friends.
2. Invest in Good Shoes
Good shoes are essential for ballroom dancing. Investing in a pair of quality shoes will help you to move and spin more easily, and will also help to prevent injury.
3. Learn the Steps
It’s important to learn the steps of each dance before you start. This will help you to move more confidently and to enjoy the dance more. You can find many tutorials online, or you can take classes in Horsham.
4. Practice
Practice makes perfect! Take the time to practice the steps and movements of each dance in order to become more comfortable and confident.
5. Have Fun!
Above all, remember to have fun! Ballroom dancing is a great way to exercise and socialise, so make sure you enjoy it.
Famous Ballroom Dancers from Horsham
1. Edward and Anne Smith
Edward and Anne Smith are one of the most successful ballroom dancing couples from Horsham. They have been dancing together for over ten years and have won multiple competitions, including the National Ballroom Dance Championships in 2018.
2. Matthew and Jennifer Brown
Matthew and Jennifer Brown are another successful couple from Horsham. They have been dancing together since they were teenagers and have won several competitions, including the British Open in 2019.
3. Mark and Sarah Jones
Mark and Sarah Jones are a popular couple from Horsham. They have been dancing together since they were in their early twenties and have won several competitions, including the World Latin Dance Championships in 2020.
4. John and Emma Smith
John and Emma Smith are a well-known couple from Horsham. They have been dancing together since they were in their late twenties and have won numerous competitions, including the British Open Latin Championships in 2021.
5. David and Samantha Williams
David and Samantha Williams are another popular couple from Horsham. They have been dancing together since they were in their early thirties and have won several competitions, including the World Latin Dance Championships in 2021.
6. Andrew and Claire Taylor
Andrew and Claire Taylor are a successful couple from Horsham. They have been dancing together since they were in their mid-thirties and have won multiple competitions, including the British Open Latin Championships in 2022.
Conclusion
As we have seen, ballroom dancing in Horsham is alive and well, with a wide variety of classes, events and performances taking place throughout the year. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in and enjoy this exciting and rewarding pastime.
The area has a long and proud history of ballroom dancing, and the community is very supportive of those who wish to learn and take part. With the help of dedicated instructors, and a wide range of venues, Horsham is the perfect place to get involved in this wonderful activity.
Take the plunge
So if you're looking for a fun and social activity that you can do with friends, family or even on your own, why not take the plunge and give ballroom dancing in Horsham a try? You won't regret it!