Starting out dancing | Active Canterbury

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Starting out dancing

Everyone can enjoy dancing! No matter what age, shape, or size you are - if you can walk, you can dance.

If you don't know how, learning is really not as difficult as you might think.

Choosing a dance style that is right for you

A couple dancing in a Ceroc style. Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn, you must first choose a dance style and there are lots to choose from. Here are some ideas to assist you:

Appeal - Many people become inspired to learn a particular style after seeing other people dance (e.g. on television, in a movie, on stage, or out on the dance floor). Look at other dance styles to see if one of them is more appealing to you before you enrol in a class.
Goals - Consider your reasons for wanting to learn how to dance as this might help you decide on a style. If you want to dance professionally, you might need to enrol in a variety of classes, including ballet. If your goal is to attract attention on the dance floor, a hip-hop class may be all you need. If you danced when you were younger and are getting back into it, you could pick right up where you left off.
Preference - The best thing to do is experiment if you don't know what kind of dance you want to learn. Try a couple of classes if you can’t make up your mind. You may find that clogging around in tap shoes just doesn’t work for you or that line dancing with a bunch of strangers is invigorating. Keep trying new styles - you may be surprised what kind of dancing suits you!

Find a dance class near you

Once you have decided on a dance style the next step is to find a dance class. There are many different local groups operating.

Contact the tutor or school beforehand so you can make sure you are in a class just right for your skill and ability level.

Remember to have fun and wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in!

Find dance opportunities in Canterbury (CINCH).

Move Ōtautahi runs dance, circus and acrobatics and all forms of artistic movement classes for all ages and abilities at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre.

Defy Dance Academy runs dance classes for all ages including specialised classes for teens with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities. These classes are held in an accessible venue at Avonside Girls' High School (209 Travis Road, North New Brighton).

Silver Rhythms Dance Class for the young at heart

Build strength, balance, and joy for your wellbeing without intense workouts or complicated routines.

Date and Time: Thursdays at 10am.
Location: Halswell Community Centre (381 Halswell Road, Halswell).
Cost: $10 per session.

Contact Eleanor for more information (021 0222 0420 or eleanorburke60a[at]gmail.com).

New dance fitness class at Mairehau High School

Get the week off to a great start with this Monday evening class with Kathryn Tizz.

Dates: Mondays from 6th October 2025.
Time: 6.30 to 7.30pm.
Location: Mairehau High School (440 Hills Road, Mairehau).
Cost: $10 per person. Bookings are required.

Find out more about the new Dance Fitness Class with Kathryn Tizz (Facebook).

Health benefits of line dancing according to science

Line dancing is enjoying a global resurgence among people of all ages and is no longer just for cowgirls and cowboys.

This kind of synchronised dance involves people in rows repeating choreographed steps. It doesn’t require a partner, so you can turn up solo and learn on the go.

Line dancing has gone viral partly due to social media users embracing the easy-to-follow routines. It's also nostalgic and accessible with an emphasis on fun rather than skill.

A word of warning: Line dancing can be profoundly addictive and seriously fun.

Here are some of the health benefits of line dancing:

It's good exercise as it incorporates coordination and balance with a cardiovascular workout. You can adapt the steps match your ability. For older adults, it also improved motor skills, flexibility and reduces fall risk.
It's good for mental health by boosting wellbeing, relieving stress, and reducing anxiety and depression. Even watching dancing can stimulate some of the body's mood boosting responses and reduce stress.
It's a social activity but you don't need a partner. You can show up alone and still connect with others, break down cultural and social barriers and expand your social support network.
You get a brain workout through mastering the combination of moves. This improves memory and brain function and can improve concentration and prevent dementia.
It builds community, belonging and unity. This has been found to encourage people to engage in other community-focused activities such as volunteering.

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