Dance

What can I say, dance is my happy place, all sorts of dance: Ecstatic dance, Improvised practice, soul motion, and creating choreography for my dancers. My body likes to move with other dancers. What moves your body to movement?

I love the rhythm of my music, what is your favourite music? What workout gets you up and off your seat. Or perhaps it’s the challenge of mastering the more complicated choreography moves that brings you so much joy. One thing’s for sure: The physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of dancing are endless.

The benefits of dance

No matter how old you are, engaging in physical activities that involve dance changes you. Your body is designed to move. I was an athlete as a child, playing netball, running sprints, longer distances, tennis, I loved to move and that love has stayed with me in my adult life. The benefits from better physical and mental health to a boost in emotional and social well-being, moving your body to the sound of music can transform your life.

1. Improves cardiovascular health

Dance is exercise, so the physical benefits of dancing will be similar to that of other cardio activities. Put your favourit song on and dance in your home, start with one song and build up to 10 songs. The benefits of dance are also bringing love, joy and happiness to your heart.

2. Improves balance and strength

Movements that we typically do in our daily life, like walking, taking the stairs, and common workouts like treadmills and cycling, occur in the sagittal plane, but dance works your body from all planes, including lateral and rotational, which turns on and conditions all muscles, meaning no muscle is left behind,” he said.

This type of movement not only increases strength, it also improves balance.

3. Soothing on your body

Many forms of dancing, are appropriate for people with limited mobility or chronic health issues. If you have concerns about the intensity of a class, talk with your doctor and the instructor before starting the class. They can help you with any modifications, if needed.

4. Boosts mental & cognitive performance

If you need a reason to get moving, consider this: A lot of scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as planning and organizing, improve with exercise like dance. Plus, unlike other forms of exercise, dance has the additional benefits of improving balance through rhythm and music.

5. Challenges your brain

My daughter loved tap dancing! If you’ve ever tried tap dancing, then you know exactly what we mean by dance challenging your brain. This is an excellent form of mental exercise for your mind, regardless of your age.

6. Emotional benefits

Dance is community, feel the joy with others, its wonderful to dance with others. Anyone can participate. If you’re able to move, even if it’s only your upper body, you can dance. Move a little and move a lot - you choose. This equalizer is what makes dance so popular with people who typically shy away from other forms of exercise.

7. Can be a social activity

There’s something incredible about dancing with others. I do improvised practice with a beautiful small group of dancers, I do ecstatic dance with a large group of dancers - sometimes up to 100 people. Its exciting! Whether you join a contact class or belly dancing class, dance with friends, or get shaking with your kids or grandkids, being around other people while dancing is good for your social and emotional health.

8. Helps boost your mood

“Movement and dance are extremely expressive, which can allow you to escape and let loose,” Dance is good for your mood, it boosts your health by reducing stress, decreasing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosting your self-esteem.