8 Benefits of Dance

Benefits of dance

From better physical and mental health to a boost in emotional and social well-being, moving your body to the sound of music has several potential benefits. This includes:

Physical

Dance is exercise, so the physical benefits of dancing will be similar to other cardio activities.

1. Improves cardiovascular health

The heart-pumping health benefits of dance are right in line with the Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines for adults. It states for health benefits, adults should do:

• at least 150 minutesTrusted Source to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or
• 75 minutes to 150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity

Professional ballroom dancer and certified personal trainer Leon Turetsky says that all styles of dance make for great cardio workouts since your heart rate gets challenged from executing the different moves.

2. Improves balance and strength

Professional dancer Jonathan Tylicki, the director of education for AKT, a boutique fitness concept rooted in dance, says one of the reasons dance is such a great form of physical fitness is because it incorporates movements on all planes of motion and from all directions.

This type of movement may helpTrusted Source to increase strength and improve balance.

3. Gentle on your body

Many forms of dancing, such as ballroom, may be appropriate for people with limited mobility or chronic health issues.

If you have concerns about the intensity of a class, consider talking with the instructor before starting the class. They can help you with any modifications, if needed.

Mental

4. Boosts cognitive performance

If you need a reason to get moving, consider this: ResearchTrusted Source suggests that dancing may maintain and even boost your ability to think as you age.

But how does this happen? Well, according to some studiesTrusted Source, scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as planning and organizing, improve with exercise like dance.

Plus, unlike other forms of exercise, dance may also help to improve balance through rhythm and music.

5. Challenges your brain

If you’ve ever tried tap dancing, then you know exactly what we mean by dance challenging your brain.

Tylicki points out that the brain power you need to access for dance, specifically, requires you to focus on both the constant changing of movement and recalling moves and patterns.

This can provide a form of mental exercise for your mind, regardless of your age.

Emotional

6. Is inclusive

A huge benefit of dance is that anyone can participate. If you’re able to move, even if it’s only your upper or lower body, you can dance.

This equalizer is what makes dance so popular with people who typically shy away from other forms of exercise.

7. Can be a social activity

While you may prefer to bust a move when no one is watching, there can be something incredible about dancing with others.

Whether you join a ballroom or belly dancing class, dance with friends, or get shaking with your kids or grandkids, being around other people while dancing can potentially be good for your social and emotional health.

8. Helps boost your mood

“Movement and dance are extremely expressive, which can allow you to escape and let loose,” Tylicki said. It’s this “letting loose” that may helpTrusted Source improve your mental and emotional health by reducing stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Benefits for kids

Movement and rhythm comes naturally to kids. Not only does dance allow kids to get their energy out, it is often a safe way for them to express themselves.

Broadway dancer, choreographer, and dance fitness instructor Joseph Corella says the artistic side of dance gives kids the opportunity to learn to speak another language: the language of movement.

Dance training also teaches kids that diligent work pays off.

“If they continue to put in effort in class, they will literally see results in the mirror. It’s such a concrete way for children to see that observing their actions and listening to guidance from teachers, combined with hard work, leads to positive results,” Corella said.

Lastly, Turetsky says, they learn teamwork by having to work with other dancers toward a common goal, which translates to so many different areas in life.

Tips for dancing well

When it comes to tips for dancing well, the experts all agree that the most important thing is to have fun. Beyond that, some other tips include:

Try letting go of insecurity and fear

One of the first steps to dancing well is to let go of your insecurity and fear. This is true regardless of your level.

“Dancing — be it in front of a mirror, in a class, or in the middle of the dance floor in a nightclub, requires you to silence that voice in your mind that says you can’t do it or that people are judging you,” says Corella.

Dancing, he says, requires you to trust yourself, trust your training, and give yourself permission to fly.

Start with a strong foundation

Turetsky recommends that everyone do some ballet training, even if you want to focus on a different dance style.

That’s because “ballet will teach you proper body alignment and how to use your core, so that no matter what movement you do, you’ll be able to find your balance,” he explains.

Practice outside of classes

While taking dance classes is very important, on top of that, Turetsky says you must also practice on your own to solidify the information and make sure your body develops the appropriate muscle memory. This is when having a mirror at home comes in handy!

Master the rhythm and timing before styling

Many people focus on the fun “styling” part right away, says Turetsky.

But if you’re in a class to learn a specific style of dance, Turetsky says you need to get the basic timing and rhythm down first, and only then add your arms, personality, and flavor on top of it.

The bottom line

The benefits of dance encompass all areas of health, including physical, mental, and emotional. Not only does it give you a way to express yourself and have fun, but it also counts toward your cardiovascular exercise minutes for the week.

So, grab a friend, join a beginner or intro class, and get moving!