10 Positive Effects of Dance on Health

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Dance has always been part of our world culture. Since time began, moving to the rhythm of music has been a way to celebrate. In modern society, dance is part of our social life. We dance with our friends, we dance at weddings, and we dance on stage.

When we are children, we are often given lessons because our parents understand the importance of being well rounded and able to fit in. They also understand that dance is a fun way to stay active and healthy.

10 Positive Effects of Dance on Your Health

Below, we will give you ten benefits to dancing. Once you find your style and begin, you will add many more items to the list. So, let’s get started.

#1 Losing weight

We begin with this benefit because it is usually one of the top reasons people give to joining a dance group or putting a child in dance. It is true; if you are a good dancer or a poor dancer, you will burn calories while dancing. Losing weight is important. But dancing does so much more for your body that is is just one piece of the puzzle.

#2 Improving muscle tone

This is the next part of the journey to a healthy body. Dancers are athletes. They actually take more punishment to their bodies that football players. Building muscle tone means their body is lean and strong. They can consume more calories because the muscles amp up the metabolism. If you truly want to be fit, muscle tone is much more important than the numbers on your scale.

#3 Mental fitness

As you dance, your body releases more “feel good” natural chemicals in your brain. This is an excellent way to beat depression and all of the side effects of depression.

Your body looks better and you feel better. This gives you confidence in yourself. It’s amazing to see a timid child suddenly find the confidence to not be swayed by other kids. Bullies will give up and move on very quickly.

#4 Focus and concentration

You can learn a step or a movement. You will practice that movement until it is perfect. But when you include that movement in a routine, it can be difficult. Remember, dancers, are as tough as football players. A dancer must control every jump, step, and leap while looking graceful and beautiful.

#5 Learning how your body works for a healthy life

You cannot just strap on some dancing shoes and become a dancer. If you are going to incorporate dancing into your life, you must know how to replenish and repair your body. You must learn how to use your food as fuel.

Once you have mastered the art of how to restore your body, you will have the knowledge of how to use food to ensure your weight stays under control.

#6 Maintain balance

Balance is an important part of our health, and it is needed more and more as we age. When you have good balance, you can reach new levels of everything you do, on and off the dance floor.

You will avoid injury, and you are more aware of minor problems before they become major problems. Your coordination is directly affected by your balance.

#7 Dancing gives you beautiful skin

Dancing is a cardio workout. It improves your circulation, which improves the condition of your skin.

Dancing makes you sweat. The toxins that are in your body are forced out and you are left with clear and glowing skin.

#8 Dancing helps you sleep

The physical activity of dance helps relieve stress and in turn that helps you sleep.

You are learning to concentrate better and focus better. If you direct that energy to music or to the sounds of nature, you will fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

#9 Make your bones stronger

Dancing (in conjunction with healthy eating) improves bone health. It reduces the chance of developing osteoporosis.

#10 Dancing improves your social skills

You will learn how to communicate better with your team. You will learn how to accept constructive criticism. If you are a person that has problems when they are told you are doing something wrong, you are in for a hard life.

There is an old saying, “Take the best and leave the rest.” Listen to advice from other dancers, use what you need and leave the rest. Do not carry it and let it eat at you. That does no one any good. Dancers have to release their baggage in order to be the best they can be.

Getting Started

The first thing people say when you ask them if they would consider dance is, “It cost a lot, doesn’t it?”

Actually, it doesn’t.

Your dance class will probably cost less than that gym membership that you pay for and never use. An average dance class will be anywhere from $5 to $20 USD per class.

You will need some basic dance gear, but if you watch for them, you can often find quality gear on sale.

The kind of gear you need depends on the type of dance you will take. The first thing you’ll need is a bag to carry your essentials. This can be a backpack, small duffle bag, or anything large enough to carry your necessities while you go to and from class.

The next important item you will need is dance shoes. Make no mistake about it. Sneakers that you buy for the street will not do for the dance floor. You will need to invest in dance shoes. These shoes are designed to move with you.

For example, if your body is in motion, but your shoe sticks to the floor, you could be seriously injured. There are many types of dance shoes. Your instructor will tell you what you need.

You will also need the dance appropriate clothing. You can get a great deal on tights, leotards, or harem pants by Just For Kix. Activewear is typically great for dancing classes too.

Here are some things that every dancer needs in their bag. Much of this you probably already have:

Warm up jacket or big flannel shirt
Legwarmers
Water Bottle
Protein bars
Hairbrush, ponytail holders, or whatever you use to keep your hair out of your face
A face towel
An extra pair of tights (in case yours are torn)
Deodorant or body spray
Wet wipes (for freshening up if you are not going right home)
Lip balm

As you can see, dance does wonderful things to enhance your mental and physical body. When you add in the fun factor, there really is no reason not to give it a try.

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