Arts for the Heart

Dancing isn't just good for a marriage, as Cliff Gerrard and his wife of 15 years, Linda, will tell you.

Dancing is good for your heart -- and that comes from Dr. Cliff Gerrard, the cardiologist.

"It's a moderate type of exercise that stresses your heart and lungs -- in a good way," he said. "It's an aerobic type exercise, mild to moderate."

In fact, it's a good way for people who have had heart problems to get exercise, but only after the physician has given clearance, he stressed.

"It's good for someone who has had heart trouble and is trying to improve physical capacity," said Cliff.

So if you'd like to improve your health and want a break from the treadmill, you can attend the Bedford County Arts Council's Arts for the Heart Dance Saturday. Not only can you get a fun workout, you can socialize, donate to the American Heart Association and the Art Council, and even learn more about heart health. The Heart Association will have an information booth at the dance, and will receive a portion of every $10 ticket sold.

Heart health

According to the AARP, dancing helps improve your health in many ways.

"Like other moderate, low-impact, weight bearing activities, such as brisk walking, cycling or aerobics, dancing can help:

* strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints

* tone your entire body

* improve your posture and balance, which can prevent falls

* increase your stamina and flexibility

* reduce stress and tension

* build confidence

* provide opportunities to meet people, and

* ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression."

Sweetheart health

Dancing can be good for other matters of the heart, too. The Gerrards first met through their mutual love of Tennessee walking horses (they own and show The American Choice, the 2009 World Grand Champion in Show Pleasure Novice). After they began seeing each other, they discovered another mutual love.

Dancing.

"I've done some dancing, I've loved it all my life," said Linda, who teaches at Trevecca in Nashville. "But actually, I didn't even know he could dance for a while. He's been the only man in my life who could dance, and loved it, and was good at it!

"I think the more things you have in common, the easier it is to have a successful marriage," she added.

Cliff really got started in dancing in junior high school in his hometown of Jackson.

"It was part of the social structure in Jackson, the wintertime and summertime formals," he said. "It was just fun."

He grew up with the Memphis shag and other 1950s dances, but has added the waltz, the foxtrot, the jitterbug and many other dances to his repertoire. He and Linda don't dance professionally, but just for fun, having a good time getting together with friends -- as they will Saturday night at The Fly.

If you go

The Arts for the Heart dance will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 20 at The Fly. The Cripple Creek Review band will perform. For tickets or more information call 703-7613.