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WASHINGTON - "One, two, cha-cha-cha."

It's a phrase many more are hearing these days, according to one local dance instructor, thanks to the upswing of ballroom dancing.

"Part of it is they're seeing more of it on television, they're realizing it's more for the general population. ...And it's enticing," said Lasca Low, who teaches at the Chevy Chase Ballroom in Washington.

Briana Kearney and James Regent, college seniors at Georgetown University, have come to Low weekly since mid-February.  Kearney bought the lessons for Regent because she likes to try new exercise-related activities, and he loves the popular TV show "Dancing with the Stars."

Already they're getting a kick out of it.

Kearney said it's much more enjoyable than traditional workout routines.  "You're not thinking about, 'Oh, I'm at the gym on a stairmaster for the rest of my life,' she said.  "You're having fun while you're doing it."

Dance by the Numbers

3,500 – Number of calories you need to burn to lose one pound of fat

270 – Number of calories burned during one hour of moderate ballroom dancing

570 to 770 - Number of calories burned during one hour of moderate jogging.  ("Moderate” is enough to break a sweat and raise your heart rate, but still easy enough to hold a conversation)

3 to 5 – Number of days per week a healthy adult, under the age of 65, should be getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise

30 to 60 – Additional minutes above the minimum a healthy adult may require to lose weight or maintain weight loss

Sources: American Heart Association,  American College of Sports Medicine and Dr. Clarke Holmes