hi everyone.
I just started dance lessons and among other things, found out it takes good back muscles.

how does one strengthen their back? are there any exercises that work especially well?

thank you in advance for your advice

Planks are great for that. Need to strengthen the core muscles. They work with strengthening the back

Good for you, ana
It would be better to strengthen your core muscles. Both abdominal and back, since they compliment the body mechanics...
Sometimes its hard to explain over in written form...proper technique is important....but a good way to start is to get conscious with proper posture...instead of sucking the tummy in, chest out....try to think of a string running from the tip of the butt bone to the top of your head...and as if its pulling your head straight up....then contract your abdominal muscles to maintain the posture, while doing deep breathing....eventually, when you get used to it, you can use this concept and integrate it with back and abdominal crunches, as well as other exercises.

Deadlifts

Bent over barbell rows

Squats & crunches

You'll probably strengthen them if you keep dancing ... When you feel them then, it means you are working them then.
Make sure you're abdominal muscles are strong though, otherwise your back will have to carry all the burden and you could get problems. Esp the oblique muscles are important, not only the 'six pack' muscles.

You can probably find real good instruction vids on YouTube

along with the strengthening exercises you could also try Yoga. Some of the asanas like the cobra are really good.

thank you everyone for your comments.
I appreciate all the ideas.
I'm going to look intohthis further now that I'm finding myself with time on my hands.

Best advice I ever got regarding this: If you want a good back, put up a good front.

A lot of the folks who weighed in said the same. Your lower back muscles (which is what I believe you're referring to as being sore) share the support of your torso with your abdominals. Work them with both strength building moves and stretching exerises. Don't neglect things like standing or lying leg raises (on your tummy and your back), lunges, kicks, etc. Everything that engages your core will, to some extent or another, work your back, as well.

The other thing you'll find that will help is balance exercises. Take what opportunities arise to walk along low beams like curbs or some landscaping fencing, even imaginary lines in a pinch. Incorporate pivots and turns and spins. Balance is a key aspect in both the dance itself and the strengthening of the muscles needed for it.

My mom was a competitive dancer and I used to laugh at her all the time as she did little pirouettes and the like all over the place. When I started playin' sports (and at the dances after games) , those lessons served me well.

Good luck and keep dancing.

Good on you!!!...Fun way to get fit and meet new peeps ...Pansy is right, core muscle strength...That means PILATES....Here is a great video for you Ana...POP Pilates Back Attack!!

https://youtu.be/TmktEl7KZxQ

now dats a valid question which leigh asked

You can also try swimming if you have access to a pool

One very simple way works well with core muscles, lower back, buttocks etc.It is also very good for lower back pain in general, but not all types.

Do a few hip circles i.e standing upright and moving your pelvis in a circle. You want a variation of that; place your hands 'on your hips' this is actually the top of your pelvis (the Iliac Crest), you should feel the hard bony pelvis under your hands. Now, focus where your hands meet the pelvis, this is where you want to create the circling motion (rather than the hips in your original trial).

Do a dozen clockwise then a dozen anti clockwise, 3 times a day. Increase the quantity as you grow stronger and more confident.

Al- Sport and Remedial Masseur.

once again, thank you everyone for your advice.
Crystal was right in that just keeping up with dancing helps.

another thing that has helped is going bra shopping for someone who is blessed and cursed to be on the top heavy side.

since I also do softball, working on batting technique has also helped.
I'm still keeping at it