During summer, Philadelphia comes alive with festivals and public events, giving residents many chances to try new activities. These celebrations help people discover things that can enhance their well-being and bring global cultures into the city through music, food, art, and community gatherings.
These occasions are a great time to embrace social dancing. A fun way to enhance overall well-being, social dancing offers physical, mental, and social benefits—such as increased confidence, reduced stress, and new friendships.
To help Philadelphians discover how social dancing can improve health and happiness, HealthyMindsPhilly visited the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School to meet Mary Jane and Sylvia and learn how dancing supports a healthier, more fulfilling life.
“Social dancing is much more than a pastime,” says Mary Jane. She began with salsa and bachata at free community events, then tried tango on a friend’s suggestion. After her first tango experience, she was “totally addicted,” drawn in by the music and the welcoming community. “I just don’t want to sit home and eat and drink all the time. I want to be out and moving,” she shares, highlighting how dance offers a fun and healthy alternative to isolation.
Social dancing is a continuous learning process that doesn’t require any background in music or movement. Mary Jane, who started tango in her 60s, recalls, “I had absolutely no background in any music at all except appreciation.” With patience and practice, she not only learned to dance, but also found a supportive tango community.
Social dance classes and events give people the chance to learn new skills, improve coordination, and challenge themselves in a safe, encouraging space. Learning new steps or moving with a partner builds confidence and keeps the mind active, proving it’s never too late to start. Both physical and brain health can improve at any age through new activities and learning.
One of the greatest benefits of social dancing is its positive impact on mental health. For those with social anxiety, dance offers a unique way to connect with others. “It allows you to connect with people physically without having to talk too much,” Sylvia explains. Moving together and focusing on the music can be meditative, helping quiet anxious thoughts and encouraging presence in the moment.
Mary Jean adds that dancers sometimes experience a “tango high”—a feeling of joy and comfort when music, movement, and partnership come together—which can offer relief from anxiety.
Tips to Start Social Dancing
If you are new to social dancing and want to give it a try in Philadelphia without breaking the bank, there are plenty of welcoming options to get you started. Many community events and organizations offer free or low-cost dance classes across the city. For example, the Free Library of Philadelphia regularly hosts beginner-friendly Latin dance classes like salsa and bachata—no experience or partner required, and they’re completely free. Check the Calendar of Events to find out more.
During the warm weather months, you can also attend outdoor events like the ¡Bailar en FDR! Salsa Class and Social Dance at FDR Park, which are free and open to all ages, making it easy to meet new people and have fun while learning basic steps. If you are curious about tango, check the Philadelphia tango community event calendar.
You can also check the upcoming Philadelphia Tango Festival (May 23-26, 2025) an event which has something for everyone, including beginners and non-dancers .
Read more blogs on dancing for mental health and movement for trauma recovery.
