Last year, the UK Government made the decision to allow all schools to teach ballroom dancing in PE. The idea behind it was to give kids a different activity with great calorie burning potential. Ballroom dancing can burn as much to 300 calories in a one hour session.

Prior to the decision to make this national, a pilot was carried out in 29 Primary and Secondary schools, involving 2500 children from the ages of 5 to 17. Teachers reported benefits that far exceeded those to their health!

• Children who had previously struggled with self-esteem were gaining confidence.


• Children were better behaved during the classes, something that teachers believe related to the structured and disciplined nature of ballroom.


• Many children expressed a desire to take up further lessons outside of the school environment.


• Those who are generally less sporty became much more engaged in this physical activity.

And it was a hit with the pupils too, with 80% of those involved giving ballroom dance the thumbs up.

As a result, ballroom dance became a part o the curriculum. Known as the ‘Essentially Dance,’ campaign, it now features in schools up and down the country. Incorporating this form of dancing into school Physical Education lessons is something the government believes will increase the enjoyment of PE lessons, particularly amongst those children who do not enjoy other sports, and help to combat childhood obesity.