So many benefits to dancing, so little time! The following is a quick read on the 9 benefits of dance for both your physical and mental well-being. We guarantee by the end, you’ll be itching to attend a dance class, or even become a dance instructor!
Heart and Lung Health
Say you’re a smoker, or you have a hereditary history of heart issues. In both of these situations (and in general, of course), aerobic activity can be a godsend.
Any kind of dancing is an intense aerobic workout. While you’re conveniently distracted by learning some new choreography, you are expanding your lungs and getting your heart pumping.
A little encouragement from us: if you develop a true passion for dance and would like to further your journey, ponder the possibility of learning how to become a dance instructor!
Muscle Strength and Endurance
Possibly the most well-known benefit of dancing is strength, but there are too many aspects of strength to count!
This list is endless: muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and grace, balance, posture, coordination, agility, reduced pain and stiffness, prevention of falls, etc.
Why would you want to slave away at the gym, focusing on one muscle group at a time? Rather, invest in your physical and mental health in a fun way, getting a full-body workout in every single class!
Weight Management
You will notice over time that your body, because it’s being treated well, will return to its best state.
Remember that weight management does not mean being “skinny”. It means your body will return to its most natural and healthiest state to carry you most efficiently.
We’re sure you will have noticed the incredibly healthy body structure and figures of dancers.
Mood Regulation
Have you ever heard of our brain’s best friend, serotonin? We’re sure you know all about it and are relentlessly seeking ways in which to improve your brain’s serotonin communication.
Well, dance some more to improve your mood and regulate those fluctuating emotions!
Social Bonding
In this new-age, individualist, work-at-home society, how can we expect to make new friends and foster social connections when we are stuck inside all day?
Now picture a few things here:
- exchanging eye contact with, and a humorous facial expression towards, someone dancing next to you when neither of you can catch on to the choreography,
- utilizing your creativity with a team while building your group routine, and
- laughing with your partner when you step on their foot.
We think this all sounds extremely fun and socially energizing!
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Many of us know that low self-esteem and confidence may arise from social comparison, perceived low performance, and external critique. Then, it manifests as awkwardness, anxiety, and negative body-/self-image.
Over time, in this creative art, it is guaranteed that your physical and emotional posture will improve. Keeping your chin up and a serene smile on your face will become easier and easier!
Mindfulness
We don’t recommend you miss your opportunity to mindfully move and groove all your life’s troubles away!
Because, why on earth would anyone choose to skip out on a sharp mind, better clarity of thought, and less overthinking and rumination?
Overthinking truly is the bane of the existence of many of us, so join a dance class to engage with this beautiful form of meditation and mindfulness.
Expressiveness in Children
You may be asking at this point: “who is most suited to dancing?”
Well, the answer is absolutely anyone! But how can children benefit from an early start?
For children, dancing is a fantastic way in which to get all that energy out! Parents and guardians, does that not make you let out a sigh of relief?
Your kids can learn the value of diligence, hard work, and discipline from a young age through dance. This art of movement also allows them a safe way and space to express themselves.
Brain Longevity
On the other end of the age spectrum, the older generation can also benefit greatly from the challenge of dancing.
This challenge occurs in the brain, where your visual capacities, rhythm, and other cognitive abilities can expand even in your later years of life.
Are you worried about age-related cognitive issues? Look no further than the art of dance, which science has confirmed reduces the risk of dementia in the elderly.
