Benefits of Dancing

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Dancing is universal. It has no boundaries. It doesn't discriminate. it's magical and transforming. dancing can breath new life into a tired soul, make a spirit soar; unleash locked away creativity; unite generations and cultures; inspire new romances or rekindle old one; trigger long forgotten memories; and turn sadness into joy, if only during the dance

Fitness for mind and body

On a more physical level, dancing can give you a great mind and body workout. It is a proven fact that regular physical activity can help keep your body, including your brain, healthy as you age. Exercise increases the level of brain chemicals that encourage nurse cells to grow. And dancing that requires you to remember dance steps and sequences boosts brain power by improving memory skills.

According to Rita Beckford, M.D., a family doctor and spokes person for the American Council on Exercise, there has been promising research that doing ballroom dancing at least twice a week make people less likely to develop dementia. Research also has shown that some people with Alzheimer’s disease are able to recall forgotten memories when they dance to music they used to know.

And of course the most obvious benefit of dancing is that it is great for helping people of all ages and physical abilities get and stay in shape. There is even chair dancing for people with physical limitations. A 150 pound adult can burn at least 150 calories during 30 minutes of moderate social dancing, it promotes agility, mobility, better balance and stamina.

Benefits

Like other moderate, low-impact, weight-bearing activities, such as walking, cycling, aerobics, dancing can help:

- strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
- tone entire body
- improve your posture and balance, which can prevent fall
- Increase your stamina and flexibility
- reduce stress and tension
- build confidence
- promote social skills and interaction
- ward of illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, depression

There's no age limit on when one can start dancing. We all dance to an extent in our lives. And from all the workout, exercises and physical activities available today, dancing is the happiest and most entertaining.

If you take a class, give it some time before deciding you don't like it. Allow yourself time to relax and feel comfortable in the class. Don't be afraid to voice your concerns to an instructor after the class so the artistic direction and physical exertion level can be adjusted for the next class. Try going with a friend and keep with it for at least a month before deciding whether to continue or to stop. And make sure to challenge yourself - no matter how big or small accomplishment is, it will always inspire and incite you to strive for more.