According to a Japanese proverb, “We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.” That proverb is so relevant during these “interesting” times we are currently facing. However, with everything going on, everyone needs a little break from reality, and we are here to help! There is so much more to dance than “just another hobby”; it’s a complete wellness package for the mind, body and soul!
Mind:
Think about what all is going into learning how to dance:
- Remembering the steps
- Frame and posture
- Recognizing a beat
- Moving with your partner in synchronization
- Moving to the music
All of those things require quite the amount of brain power to execute simultaneously. When you dance, it’s like going to the gym for your brain. According to various sources such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Stanford University, and Biomed Central, dancing is a great way to improve your mental health. It’s been proven to be a viable therapy for people with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It’s also been known to help you retain more information and build your mental capacity.
Body:
Dancing is truly a full body work out! From your head to your toes you are working and building every single muscle group there is! According to Time Magazine, you can expect to burn around 300 calories every half hour that you dance. Also, between the resistance and communication between you and your partner, the fast turns, and the syncopated and complex footwork, your body will start to develop more tone and definition. It is also great for your bones and joints. According to Health Fitness Revolution, “since dancing is a weight-resisting activity, it can help protect bone density and prevent osteoporosis. It’s also a great addition to physical therapy for injuries or surgeries. And because it is low-impact sport, it is great to start at any age!
Soul:
Dancing has been a part of civilization since the dawn of time. It has been a way of bonding, communicating, celebrating, worshiping, and even healing! We as human beings are very social creatures. Dancing allows us to socialize and be ourselves without any judgement. But, most importantly, it helps heal the soul. When you dance, you are releasing many different hormones that make you feel like you are on top of the world. One of which is the release of serotonin; the hormone that causes you to feel content. When you are dancing in your lesson, you will immediately feel all of the stresses and struggles of your daily life melt away. You will also have a release of endorphins which can limit the feelings of tiredness and pain. The most important hormone it releases is DOPAMINE! The moment you hear your favorite song and start to move your body, you will be taken back to a time or place that makes you happy or rewarded and feel like you are on cloud nine!
So, see? Dancing is one of the best things you can do for yourself during these trying times! When in doubt, DANCE IT OUT!
And remember, we are taking EXTRA precaution to make sure EVERYONE is waltzing into our studio feeling safe and healthy during this time!