Nikki Bergen is a life-long ballroom dancer, founder of dance and pilates company Grace Corps Studio, and business grad turned entrepreneur.

People take Ballroom and Latin dance lessons for so many reasons – weddings, special events, improved social confidence, and my personal favourite, “to spice things up.”
To be clear, when students say they’re embarking on the dance lesson journey to “spice things up,” what they really mean is, “Here is our last ditch effort to save this relationship.” The instructor becomes the de facto shrink (minus the
couch).

As a newbie instructor, I worked for a veteran ballroom dancer who insisted on calling his team of instructors “dance counselors.” He was on to something. Instructors don’t just teach steps – we facilitate cooperation, communication and, hopefully, better relationships. Here’s why: Bodies never lie. Body movement expresses more than words ever can, a thousand times over. It’s virtually impossible to dance with your partner without communicating, cooperating, and calming the verbal/mental chatter.
In blunt terms you have to shut up, feel your partner, and listen to the music. Not exactly your couch therapy session, but arguably (in my humble opinion) infinitely more productive.

Let’s take it a step further. Each genre of Ballroom dance presents different challenges and emphasizes certain skills. Have a specific relationship issue? Tango or Rumba lessons may just be what the dance doctor ordered. To give you a taste, here are but a few descriptions.
Cha Cha

A flashy Latin dance that has you busting out with swirling hips, quick foot work, and big time flirtation on the dance floor.

Who’s it for? The couple that feels overwhelmed with life’s responsibilities and needs to re-learn “fun.” It’s also excellent for anyone who’s ever been accused of taking themselves too seriously.
Tango

This Argentine dance requires a very confident lead and the closest possible body contact. It’s considered by many to be the most challenging to learn.

Who’s it for? The couple that bickers and nags. Tango is the ultimate outlet for drama. The man will find his inner Alpha and the woman will find it too hot to nag.
Rumba

This sensual Latin dance is all about showcasing femininity and masculine power. It’s done to smooth, sultry romantic ballads.

Who’s it for? The couple that feels disconnected. Rumba will have you talking with every inch of your body. The man will feel strong and powerful and the woman will feel like a prized goddess (I’m not exaggerating!)
Waltz

This smooth dance is the oldest of the ballroom dances, dating from the mid eighteenth century. Waltz was the original forbidden dance because of its close body position and rapid turns.

Who’s it for? The couple that needs to build trust and security. Waltz calls for long gliding steps that require communication – especially as the woman must travel backwards much of the time. Get it right, and you’ll know how Cinderella and her prince felt.

If only Freud had been a dancer.

Photo by zabara_tango/Flickr.