Need an entertaining form of exercise? Feeling disconnected from your partner? Have a family history of dementia, Alzheimer’s or memory loss? Ballroom dancing can be a great medicine for all these concerns.
Ballroom dancing has been around for hundreds of years, starting in the 16th century as a way to socially engage and meet your community.
Each style encompasses a defined set of step patterns, allowing dancers to connect and move with any partner on the floor. For example, everyone who learns the waltz learns how to do a “box step”; this not only makes learning dances easier but practicing easier, too. Due to the repetitive nature of the steps, it is easy to come up with mnemonic devices, songs and pictures to help you remember where to go.
There have been many studies on how movement affects the mind. It’s no secret that exercise releases endorphins into your body and consistent exercise has been proven to improve mental health. Dancing is no different in this regard; however, dancing comes with a few extra perks beyond just endorphins.
When you're dancing, your brain has to focus on music, tempo, proper movement and posture. With so many elements to focus on, the brain becomes stimulated in many different areas.
A German study comparing repetitive sports training versus dance training in the elderly shows the group experiencing dance training had a noticeable increase in brain capacity in more than 10 different areas of the brain; while the sport training group gained significantly less.
Consistently growing and stimulating these areas of the brain combat deterioration and have been proven to ward off dementia and Alzheimer's. As we age, we also lose balance, strength, flexibility and endurance; and it becomes difficult to find forms of sustainable exercise. Ballroom dancing is a great low impact way to exercise! Dancing exercises the same muscle groups as pilates, running and cycling all at once while still enjoying beautiful music and comfortable company.
Working out in the gym can become monotonous and sometimes lonely. Public gyms are also breeding grounds for insecurity and comparison. Partner dancing eradicates all of these concerns. In a studio, it is understood that we are all growing and expressing ourselves through our love of movement, so no matter where we are in our dance journeys, we are always cheering for, inspired by and encouraging the other dancers around us.
Additionally, we are all learning the same techniques and patterns so making friends becomes quite easy. Partner dancing is never a solo sport, it's built right into the name — you need a partner. Whether it’s a teacher, a loved one or a friend; we are creating social connections, a key in human survival.
A dance partnership is just like any relationship; it requires trust, understanding, time and connection. When partners dance together, they are working as one body, using each other's momentum, strength or flexibility to enhance the overall appearance of the partnership.
These nonverbal communications tune you into the other person's nervous system through a process called coregulation. The Department of Health and Human Services defines it as influencing and being influenced by each other's state of mind and body. Coregulation helps with responses to emotional stress, encourages clear communication between partners and creates a stable support system.
Being acutely aware of your partner's movements and emotions creates a deeper connection and understanding of them. Many dance instructors and therapists agree that couples who dance together stay together.
So, whether you're looking to get in shape, sharpen your mind, connect with a loved one, or just to have fun; give ballroom dancing a try. It’s more than just movement to music; it’s a celebration of community, connection and personal growth.
So move it — don't lose it. Visit your local dance studio, and discover how transformative a step in the right direction can be.
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