WHY SHOULD I TAKE IT UP?

As well as doing cardio exercise, it’s essential to include activities that boost balance and muscle strength, says a 2018 report from Public Health England – and ballroom dancing is on its list.

‘It does wonders for both of those things,’ agrees Janette Manrara, professional dancer, choreographer, and Strictly star. ‘The strength of your ankles, calves, quads [thigh muscles], hamstrings and glutes [buttock muscles] will increase from movements such as the slow rising and falling of the waltz, the long strides of the foxtrot and the bent knees of the tango. Dancing will leave you with a long, lean physique and you become so in control of your body, aware of every single muscle working.

‘It improves your balance because you’re shifting weight from one leg to the other in a very precise way. It’s incredible for strengthening posture, as you need an elongated back and neck to stay in hold and a strong, engaged core for all dances, plus it increases flexibility as you need to loosen up your hips and back in dances such as the cha-cha.’

It will also improve your cardio fitness. ‘Your heart rate will be up as you need to move fast across the floor,’ says Janette. ‘Making it look like you’re floating effortlessly actually requires a lot of effort! Last but not least, it’s amazing for your mental health. Learning steps works your memory, and losing yourself in the beautiful music is soothing and food for the soul.’

You become so in control of your body, aware of every muscle STRICTLY’S JANETTE MANRARA