Ms. Poppy Chiffon — the doyenne of dance, the baroness of ballroom etiquette, the sultana of Southern hospitality — is pleased to answer your dance-related questions. Here are a few queries that Poppy deigned to extract from her mailbag this week. If you have a question that you would like Poppy Chiffon to address, please e-mail her at askpoppy@dancestationusa.com. Ms. Chiffon regrets that she cannot respond individually to questions.
Dear Poppy,
I have been dancing for 38 years of my life. I don’t get any exercise except dancing now that I am older. I take three classes a week including a dance exercise class. I have a dance partner, but dance with many partners. Dancing is an activity in my life that has kept me physically and mentally healthy. Everyone should dance. I will dance for life.
Dance For Life
Dear Dance For Life,
Thank you for your comment. I couldn’t agree with you more, darling. I truly believe that if you follow an exercise routine, like dancing, that you know can continue for the rest of your life, you are going to live a joyous, healthy life. Let’s all dance for life!
Dear Poppy,
I recently read something about the health benefits of dancing. One included the prevention of osteoporosis. Is this true?
Dancing for Health
Dear Dancing for Health,
Yes, darling, the Mayo Clinic reported that social or ballroom dancing strengthens the leg and hip bones and slows down bone loss in older individuals. Of course, we know that bone loss leads to osteoporosis. I believe your information is true! It’s so exciting to know yet another health benefit of dancing.
