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Cindi Ludwig, courtesy HEALS
Cindi Ludwig thought she was simply helping out a worthwhile charity when she signed on for the 2007 fundraiser, "Stars Dancing for Heals," a spin-off of the ABC hit, "Dancing with the Stars." But she wound up discovering a hobby that transformed her life.
"I said yes before I truly realized what I was getting into," Ludwig, 59, explained. "My mother was a dance instructor before I was born, and she did not think I had what it takes to pursue a dance hobby."
Ludwig's partner for the Heals' event had a little more faith. Tom Langford, co-owner of Rocket City Dance Club (RCDC), was patient, motivational and clearly successful.
"He kept saying, 'You are the queen,' so present yourself that way at all times. Well, we all know I wanted to be the “queen” so that was all I needed to hear," Ludwig laughed.
While the enjoyed the process and the satisfaction of knowing she helped kids served by HEALS, she did reap other benefits along the way. She lost weight, toned up and morphed into the "queen." Ludwig also walks four miles a day, five days a week.
Another unforeseen benefit: her husband, Huntsville Times publisher Bob Ludwig, jumped on the ballroom dancing bandwagon. Together they take lessons, group and private, and even compete in small, multi-studio events.
Langford speaks highly of the Ludwigs, and credits the HEALS fundraiser, locally, and the reality TV show, nationally, for pumping up the ballroom dancing industry. Over the past few years, he cites a 30 - 50 percent increase in calls and participation at the dance studio he owns with his wife, Mendy. Besides the more traditional waltz, RCDC instructors also teach the cha-cha, salsa, mambo and more.
The AARP reports ballroom dancing provides great health benefits, such as increased flexibility and all-over toning. But it can do much more. Langford refers to a 2003 New England Journal of Medicine study that showed people who participate in cognitive leisure activities (i.e., crossword puzzles) and physical leisure activities (i.e., ballroom dancing) have a reduced risk of dementia. Plus, it can be a lot of fun, even for men who initially drag their feet.
"It has turned into the activity Bob and I have been searching for for 35 years, which we could do together," Ludwig said. "We enjoy the challenge; it keeps us moving, fit, and I suspect it helps our balance."
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