With the daily stresses we experience, and with the busy lifestyles we have, it is important to find activities that provide dual health benefits for our bodies. Dancing provides physical, psychological, and social benefits galore. Making dance a part of your everyday lifestyle can improve your mood and be a great source of exercise for you. Dancing gets your heart rate up, and is therefore a good form of aerobic exercise, which boosts your heart health and general well being. Dance has also been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress and boost self-esteem, body image, coping ability, and overall sense of well-being, with the benefits lasting over time. In a study on Dance Movement Therapy by Arts in Psychotherapy, it was proven that dance is effective in increasing the quality of life and decreasing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Many studies have found that dancing can improve balance and gait in frail elderly people. Some have shown improvements in gait, walking speed, and reaction time, as well as cognitive and fine motor performance. Additionally, in the past fifteen years much research has been conducted on the benefits of dance for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by rigid muscles, slowed movement and impaired balance. Dance for PD, a non-profit collaboration between the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson’s Disease Group, has grown to provide classes to those living with Parkinson’s Disease and has developed a training program for dance educators. Special populations can gain many of the same benefits through dance.
There are many social dance styles that appeal to people as well. If you want an upbeat, calorie-burning style, you can try jazz, tap or swing, for instance. If you want something more reserved, there is tango. Foxtrot is a good choice for beginners; quickstep for more advanced dancers. If you are looking to sway your hips, try salsa or mambo. Many of these styles you can learn with or without a partner. Many gyms also provide fitness classes in the form of Zumba that incorporate more traditional dance styles like hip hop, jazz and Bollywood. There are many dance forms available to suit your individual comfort level and style.
With the benefits of dance being countless, consider incorporating dance into your regular physical activity routine. You never know, the combination of music and movement may just perk up your spirits while providing some necessary exercise. The social, emotional and physical benefits are endless. Live happy, make healthy choices and keep moving!
Story submitted by Richelle Hirlehey for Dance Extreme, Photo by Charlotte Brown
