You don't have to be an ace dancer to do dance aerobics. You don't even have to know any of the moves; in the setting of a class, it's the instructor's job to put together the choreography. Even if you don't get every movement right, you will still burn calories and reap the benefits of regular aerobics, including improved mood, weight loss and a stronger immune system, according to MayoClinic.com
Definition
Aerobics classes use up-tempo music to keep you moving. Some even incorporate the occasional dance move, like a quick cha-cha or step-ball-change. For a class to qualify as dance aerobics, the dance should be the primary focus. You don't have to focus on the technicalities of dance but merely need to imitate a particular dance style as you keep up with the driving beat.
Types
You can choose a type of movement that interests you, fits your comfort level or, in some cases, pushes past your comfort level. Themed dance aerobics classes include hip-hop, Bollywood, belly-dance, Latin-dance or even exotic-dancing aerobics. The common denominator is step movements designed to get and keep you in motion constantly. You'll also be able to do them on your own instead of with a partner.
Considerations
Dance aerobics come in both low- and high-impact varieties. Your instructor may demonstrate both intensity levels and let you choose which is right for you. You can also add your own jumps for extra intensity and impact or make movements smaller and keep your feet close to the ground for lower-intensity, low-impact exercise. Ways of adding intensity include making bigger movements with your lower body, moving faster, or adding extra arm movements. Eliminate any of these to reduce the intensity. A good instructor will also demonstrate simpler versions of moves if you have trouble.
Calories Burned
Harvard Health Publications publishes a list of calorie-burn estimates for fitness and recreation activities. According to this list, if you weigh 185 lbs., low-impact aerobics typically burn about 488 calories per hour. High-impact aerobics burn as much as 622 calories per hour, and fast dancing comes in near the middle with about 532 calories per hour. Since you dictate your own intensity level during dance aerobics, you also determine how many calories you burn.
Examples
Certain aerobics dance step moves crop up in all genres. Common examples include a single step in place combined with a toe or heel tap to either side, a step or kick followed by a ball change to shift to the other foot, and the mambo. The mambo resembles a step-ball-change to the back with your right foot, followed by a step-ball-change to the front with your left.
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