THE New Year is here, folks. But are you ready for it? You've wanted to shed those extra pounds forever. What better way to do it than with dance? What's more, include your better half as well.

Whether it is the Cha Cha, Salsa, Samba, Foxtrot or the Jive, dancing is known to burn as many calories as walking, swimming or even cycling.

There are a lot of health benefits that help even your heart! So come on twinkle toes, take a look at how you and you partner can stay healthy dancing.

In the picture: Nicole Scherzinger (lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls) performs at the Live Earth concert held at Wembley Stadium.

Make no bones about it

The side-to-side dance movements are known to strengthen your bones. They are also known to keep you flexible and slow the loss of bone mass.

You know what this means right? It helps prevent fractures and works the way calcium does.

Photograph: Getty Images