The Other Dance Floor

Winter seemed to last forever. Hubby and I were so tired waiting for spring to actually spring, we decided to take up an off-season hobby that didn’t depend on the weather: ballroom dancing. After a few lessons learning basic steps in swing, chacha and fox trot, we were hooked. Once the weather actually did warm up, we decided to continue with dancing lessons throughout the golf season. I've found that dancing is a great complement to golf. My feet have become stronger from dancing, which has actually helped out my golf game. And both activities are not dissimilar. Here are:

6 Things Ballroom Dancing and Golf Have in Common

- They are both sports. Did you know ballroom dancing is a sport? It’s called dancesport. Forget Arthur Murray. No more "dancing like no one's watching." These days, thanks to shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” you have to dance like three judges are watching. And colleges have competitive ballroom dance teams, just like golf and other sports.

- They’re a lot harder than it looks. Professional golfers swing fast and smooth. Professional dancers step quickly and lightly. They make it look so easy. But it’s not. Both require technique, and you can feel like a beginner for years before you get the hang of it.

- Both require special shoes. Golf shoes have cleats and are built for comfort. But it was a revelation to me that ballroom dance shoes, which have steel shanks and sueded soles, are actually flexible and comfortable, even in a 2.5-inch heel. I mean, a sport that requires me to buy cute shoes? Yes, please!

- Both require good posture and a strong core. Who knew the chacha, which is all about the hip motion, would translate to a faster swing speed when you fire the hips in a golf shot?

- They both have a dance floor. Literally, in the case of ballroom dancing. And figuratively, in the case of golf, where “You’re on the dance floor” is what people say when your approach shot lands anywhere on the green.

- They are both sports that can last a lifetime. And if the day comes when hubby and I are so old we can no longer swing a golf club, I think we’ll at least be able to manage a waltz box step.

Now that spring has officially sprung, hubby and I have been golfing every weekend. But this past week, we’ve had rain every day. And this weekend looks like another soaker. Usually I’d be down about the weather, but now this just gives me an excuse to make hubby take me out to cut a rug. And if the rain keeps up, I just might have to switch the topic of this blog to ballroom dancing!