7 Ways Dance Can Have A Positive Impact On Your Body
There are many benefits to incorporating dance into your life. We already know dancing is good exercise. However, the effects of dance go way beyond our physical bodies. Keep in mind that no two dance genres are the same, and no two dancers are the same. The versatility of dance means it can be whatever you want it to be.
Physical exercise
We all know that dancing is good exercise. In fact, dance is a whole body workout. According to WebMD minute to minute, dance burns as many calories as jogging. It improves coordination, balance, and strength. This is why people often look to dancing as a way to lose weight and build muscles.
Open-mindedness and self-appreciation
We all tend to limit ourselves. It seems to be human nature to believe we cannot do something rather than believing that anything is possible. This is especially true in the life of a dancer. We watch as an experienced dancer seem to defy gravity, and we believe they possess something we do not. But, as you begin to work, you find yourself doing more and more that you could never do before. Your mind begins to open and you appreciate the wonders of your own body. You are thrilled when you perfect a move that seemed impossible. This new sense of self-appreciation will take you further than you dared to dream.
Creativity
There is so much more to being a dancer than the moves you do on the dance floor. You develop an ability to really hear the music. You even feel the music. This triggers your creative juices. You are creative in your expression. You find new and better ways to see the world.
One example of this creativity is evident in the clothes a dancer wears. Many items that become trends actually start on the dance floor. Outfits like the ones found here, https://www.justforkix.com/dance-shoes/ballet started in the dance studio, but are often seen in fashion magazines. Leotards, tights, leg warmers, cool sneakers, and ballerina slippers are just a few examples. When a dancer is who you are, and not just what you do, your creative juices will flow.
Appreciation and empathy for others
A dancer soon learns they must be part of a group. The other members of the class are critical to your performance. Even if you are the “star” of the show, your performance is affected by the members of your team.
When you learn to work with others, you learn to support, encourage, and help each other. When a member of the team masters a move she has been struggling with, you celebrate with them. When they struggle, you encourage them because you have experienced the same struggle. This is empathy in it’s truest form.
Photo credit: Bruce Mars
Dancing lowers the risk of dementia in the elderly
According to a study done by Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, most physical activities had little to no reduction effect of mental acuity. The one exception is dance. The study shows that seniors who participate in dance at least twice per week have a 76% reduced risk of dementia. This is great news for seniors, but also for younger citizens who want a long and productive life.
Relieving Depression in teens
A Korean study on teenagers suffering from depression brought surprising results. The patients Neurohormone levels were recorded before and after a 12-week dancing course. The difference was impressive. While we have long known exercise reduces the effects of depression, we now conclude this as a viable course of action to prevent and treat depression in our youth.
Dancing makes children smarter
We all think our child is the cutest and most talented little person on the recital stage. However, we can claim intelligence in our bragging rights. According to the University of Hartford, children who learn and excel in dance are actually smarter.
Children must learn quickly on the dance floor. Learning dance means they must have focus, and develop concentration and memorization skills. Their young minds easily absorb this type of training. Further, the skills carry over to their academic lives. The end result is this. A child who is taught the art of dancing is given the skills needed to excel in their education.
Conclusion
It is safe to assume that dance is a wonderful activity for people of all ages. Each of us has something to learn, skills to develop and a body that will benefit from dancing. No matter our age or physical condition, you will improve mentally and physically by dancing. Perhaps the best part of dance is that it is fun. In fact, dance is probably the most enjoyable therapy you will ever experience.
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