Cologne dance school celebrates 40 years: From babies to 93 year olds dance!

Cologne dance school celebrates 40 years: From babies to 93 year olds dance!

In Cologne-Sülz, the dance center on Weißhausstrasse is celebrating a remarkable anniversary: ​​the facility has been in existence for 40 years and enjoys a loyal crowd of dance enthusiasts. Barbara Minzenmay-Pfeiffer, who took the plunge into dance education after an exciting internship at a horse racing track, has been in charge since the beginning. “We have participants from 0 to 93 years old,” says the passionate dance teacher proudly. From “Fit-with-Baby” to diaper speedsters to special offers for singles – there is something for everyone.

But the people's soul doesn't just dance because of the colorful courses. The pandemic-related gap in the number of participants, increased by the introduction of the open all-day school, has also reached the dance center. But Barbara Minzenmay-Pfeiffer is not discouraged. The success of TV formats like “Let’s Dance” has increased general interest in dancing again, and her school teaches real skills beyond pure choreography. In times when the understanding of roles is being redefined in many ways, the dance school is also a place where same-sex couples and women in leadership roles are accepted and supported.

The influence of dancing on health

Dancing not only has a positive effect on physical fitness, but also has far-reaching mental health benefits. A study on the health of adults in Germany shows that mental disorders are particularly common among 18-34 year olds and 35-49 year olds. The reasons often lie in social aspects that can be compensated for by dancing. Participating in courses not only promotes physical exercise, but also social interaction and creative expression - all factors that contribute to strengthening psychological resources. Tanzvereinigung Schweiz emphasizes that these positive effects should be increasingly recognized.

Dance education offers an important space for physical engagement and individual development, which is particularly valuable for adults in a phase of life between 30 and 60 years of age when many challenges have to be overcome. Critical life events can be stressful for many, and this is where the dance school plays a supportive role. Barbara Minzenmay-Pfeiffer attaches great importance to the fact that her dance school is not only a place for learning, but also forms a community that enables support and social exchange.

A look into the future

The future of the dance center looks promising. Minzenmay-Pfeiffer's daughter, Alexandra, is now already teaching the children of former students, and the concept of the dance school is constantly being developed further. In addition to the classic dances, which are a central component in many dance schools, modern formats such as line dancing are also used.

At a time when the need for social interaction and exercise is becoming increasingly important, facilities like the dance center are an indispensable part of society. The combination of physical activity, social contacts and creative expression could offer the solution to many health problems and initiate positive social change. Barbara Minzenmay-Pfeiffer and her dance school show how it's done - with passion, openness and a clear focus on people. This is a reason to celebrate!