Keeping Romance Alive Strengthens Relationship

If keeping the spark alive in your marriage has taken a back burner to the demands of children, work and coping with the pandemic, make August the month to step up your game in the romance department.

August marks National Romance Month, and it’s a great time for couples to reconnect and focus on their relationships. Most Americans believe romance is an essential component of a relationship, and at least 40 percent do not feel love without it, according to a survey conducted by Statista, a market research firm. National Romance Month was reportedly created by Eileen Bucheim approximately 10 years ago to encourage couples to improve their relationship by focusing on romance. Buchheim was the founder of Celebrate Romance, a company that sold mail-order kits designed to help spice up any relationship.

Social distancing and stay-at-home orders are forcing couples to find creative ways to keep the romance alive in their relationships. If your house has a low bar, and a romantic night with your spouse consists of catching up on episodes of “Ozark,” or “Tiger King,” it may be time to think about getting out of that relationship rut. Fred Astaire Dance Studios has some suggestions for spicing up your relationship and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Spend Time Outside. Taking time to stop and smell the roses, or simply getting outside to exercise can help break up the monotony of the day and refresh your attitude. Spending time outside also helps reduce stress and strengthens connections.

Small Gestures Make a Difference. Married couples can make small gestures to let their significant other know they care. Cooking dinner, doing laundry, taking the kids on a hike to give your partner some time alone, all show you value your spouse.

Power of Touch. Don’t underestimate the power and importance of physical affection. Holding hands on a walk around the neighborhood, or snuggling on the couch while you watch a new movie can help couples reconnect.

Try Something New. Take an online dance lesson to learn some new dance moves. Fred Astaire Dance Studios has an Online Lesson Platform® with more than 450 dance lessons. For the ultimate at-home dance experience, book livestreaming lessons with an International Dance Council member or one of Fred Astaire Dance Studios 2019 dance champions. The Online Lesson Platform also features fun and free dance videos.

If your spouse is reluctant to give dancing a try, here are some sexy clips of ballroom dancers from the popular television series, “Dancing With the Stars,” to help inspire your significant other to try a new hobby.

In this clip, Rumer Willis, the daughter of famous actor Bruce Willis, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, dance the Viennese waltz to “Earned It” by The Weekend. The waltz originally caused controversy in ballrooms throughout Europe for its romantic stance and fast twirls.

Chelsie Hightower and Louie Vito perform a spirited rumba to impress the crowd. The rumba is a rhythmic dance with African and Spanish elements that originated in Cuba.

This last clip takes romance to the next level and even features some lingerie. James Masow and Peta Murgatroyd perform the samba, a spicy Latin dance hailing from Brazil.

If you’re ready to take your romance skills to the next level and strengthen your marriage, contact your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios to schedule a lesson.