By Randy B. Hecht

Hey, guys. Here’s an activity guaranteed to give you more interaction with more women. In fact, if you’re looking to pull the male:female ratio decidedly in your favor, you could hardly choose a better hobby. And if you get really good at the moves, it’s a cinch that you’ll never be without a partner.

I’m talking, of course, about dancing.

Well, do you want to meet women, or not? Then quit groaning and pay attention. Men in dance classes are like women in sports bars. There just aren’t enough to go around. There’s a style of dance to match just about whatever style of music you prefer, so the women you take out for a spin are likely to share your musical tastes. And unlike grunting your way through an hour at the gym, dance gives you a way to get a good, hot, sweaty, cardiovascular and social workout. Dancing is a heck of a lot sexier and more enjoyable than your junior high school gym teachers ever let on.[$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$]If you’re tempted to give it a whirl, the first thing you’ll need to decide is what style of music and dance suits you best. Here are a few of the options you can consider:

Swing
This style includes some of the most popular and high-energy dances around these days. There’s no room on this dance floor for fumbling, halting steps as you mentally count off ONE-two-three, ONE-two-three—this is the dance equivalent of an action movie. If you like fast, upbeat music, this is one you might want to check out. Dances include the Lindy and Lindy hop, the Jitterbug, the Savoy, and regional styles like West Coast and East Coast Swing.

Salsa
This gives you a chance to step onto the dance floor and into another culture—actually many different cultures, as the dances reflect styles popular in a wide variety of countries. Try moving your feet to the beat of the Merengue, Cha Cha or Mambo. Show off your romantic side with a bolero, or flaunt your sensuality tango style. Dance doesn’t get more caliente than this!

Ballroom
Sometimes, only a waltz will do—and when that time comes, you’ll be able to sweep your partner around the ballroom with a brand of style and sophistication the mosh pit will never muster. Top hat and tails optional.

Cajun
Ever been to New Orleans—or, failing that, heard any great Zydeco? It’s not sitting-still, just-listening music. It’s music that makes you want and even need to move. And it goes great with—and is a great way to work off—gumbo, jambalaya, barbequed ribs, blackened catfish, and, of course, Bananas Foster for dessert.

Country/line dancing
If you’re a cowboy boots and hat kind of guy, here’s where you’ll find your kind of gal. It’s also a great kind of dancing to learn as part of a large crowd, and if you don’t have the time or inclination to learn in a classroom, this is one you can pick up from instructions right in the middle of the action—at the bar where the party’s already in progress.

Which one’s right for you? Whichever fits your personality and musical preferences. Somewhere out there, there’s a dance with your footprints on it.

Oh—and did I mention that it’s a great way to meet women?