by Marilyn De Angelis Pennell

Created on: January 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 07, 2011

Retirement after a career in dancing could be a new adventure. These days, dancing has become a passion for people of all ages and walks of life. In some ways, a dancer never really retires. Instead a dancer may just have a change of venue. With the popularity of such television shows as "Dancing With the Stars" there is always a need for people who love to dance.

Teach Dancing in Retirement

Whether one has spent a lifetime dancing in a chorus line, with a ballet company, or with a professional high level dance troupe, retirement can bring new opportunities in dance. Many former dancers become dance teachers. They work with children, teaching ballet, tap jazz and hip hop.

Former professional dancers also work with adults, teaching ballroom dancing, social dancing, wedding dancing and movement. Teaching dance and sharing one's passion with others can open new worlds and new relationships for former professional dancers.

A look through any local community education catalog will reveal a wealth of dance classes taught by dancers who are either current dance professionals or retired dancers. Here is a sample of courses listed in the Acton-Boxborough Community Education catalog, "Interactions" for Winter 2009 under Dance and Exercise:

Argentine Tango
Beginner Line Dance
American Ballroom Dance
Adult Hip Hop
Beyond Beginner Belly Dancing
Adult Jazz
Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango

These courses are taught by people in the community to people in the community. What could be more fun that that?

Join a Dance Club and Meet New People

Being a good dancer can open doors and boost your social life. Many retired people either join dance clubs and or join up with friends and families to socialize and dance at local clubs and gathering places. People in their 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond stay healthy and exercise their bodies and social skills through dancing. If you are a retired dancer, or just have a passion for dance, you'll always have a place at the table at any social gathering.

As someone who witnessed her parents dance through retirement, I appreciate the meaning of dance in an older and/or retired person's life. When my parents went out dancing, they weren't just Joe and Norma, they were Fred and Ginger. When they danced at my wedding, it was the moment they had waited for all their lives-to share a dance at their only daughter's wedding and to invite their friends and loved ones to celebrate through dance. Dancing is the great equalizer. If you can dance, age is irrelevant. Your feet will do the talking.

Become a Dance Choreographer in Retirement

Retired dancers make great choreographers. Join a local or regional theatre group and volunteer to help choreograph musical performances.Colleges and Universities also offer courses and even majors in dance, Some even have college dance troupes choreographed by working professional and retired dancers.

Retirement and Dance Make a Great Combination

Dance through your retirement years and you will add years of pleasure and enjoyment to your life and the lives of others. And if you have yet to retire, dust off those dancing shoes and get out there on the dance floor.

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