Give your brain a workout

The general physical health benefits of dancing is well documented. However, dance is not just a physical activity it is also a mental activity which stimulates several parts of the brain. One small study found that dancing is associated with lowering the risk of dementia. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 469 people aged 75 and over, who didn’t have dementia at the start of the study. The researchers measured the association between leisure and physical activities and the likelihood of developing dementia over time. They found that dancing was the only physical activity associated with a lower risk of dementia.

Protect your heart

In an Australian study, which pooled data from 48,000 British people, found that moderate intensity dancing is linked to a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Dancers were found to have a 46 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular death, compared with those who rarely or never danced. The study also suggested the social side of dancing, and the relaxation that comes with it, could be partly responsible for its health benefits.

Psychological Benefits of Dance

Dance is a healthy physical activity, with many far reaching physical, and psychological benefits. Dancing can be enjoyed in many forms, and is for every age and ability. This physical activity appeals to some who may not typically be active and therefore may be another alternative of exercise. Dance for health has become an important factor in the prevention, treatment and management in several health conditions. It can benefit both physical and mental health and subsidizes social communication. Dance is an art which is learned in and shared between many cultures. Types of dance can entail body movements, expression and collaboration. The correlation between dance and health has been subject of a number of research studies that show dance to be a largely healthy exercise.

Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes, having a wide range of physical, and mental benefits including:

• improved condition of the heart and lungs
• increased muscular strength
• endurance and motor fitness
• increased aerobic fitness
• improved muscle tone and strength
• weight management
• stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
• better coordination, agility and flexibility
• improved balance and spatial awareness
• increased physical confidence
• improved mental functioning
• improved general and psychological well-being, greater self-confidence and self-esteem
• improved social skills.

Most forms of dance may be considered aerobic exercise and as such can also:

• reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
• help with weight control
• provide demonstrative reduction in stress levels

It may also bring about other benefits commonly associated with physical fitness.  in addition, studies have demonstrated a considerable correlation between dancing and psychological well-being. A large amount of governmental, health and educational information is available extolling the benefits of dance for health.