Benefits

Why dancing makes us happy:

When we dance, our brain releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that create a feeling of comfort, relaxation, fun and power. Music and dance do not only activate the sensory and motor circuits of our brain, but also the pleasure centers. Indeed, neuroscientists at Columbia University say that when we move in tune with the rhythm, the positive effects of music are amplified. Therefore, a little secret to make the most of the music is to synchronize our movements with the beat. So, we will be doubling the pleasure.
However, the magic of dancing cannot simply be reduced to brain chemistry. Dancing is also a social activity that allows us to connect with others, share experiences, meet new people, which has a very positive effect on our mental health. What’s more, as we move, our muscles relax to the music, which allows us to free ourselves of the tension built up during the day.
Research shows dancing can improve your mental health by boosting your overall happiness. … Dance party, anyone? Dancing is a great cardio workout. Like any good, low-impact cardio workout, dancing can improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, strengthen bones and muscles and stave off illnesses.

Why dancing makes us happy:

Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including improved condition of your heart and lungs. increased muscular strength, endurance, and motor fitness.
Also of note is that compared to many physical activities, dancing is now linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine strongly indicated that dance can improve brain health. Researchers studied the effect that eleven different types of physical activity had on elderly participants. These included cycling, golf, swimming, and tennis. Only dancing lowered participants’ risk of dementia.
Another study at the University of Illinois at Chicago involved a Latin ballroom dance program for older sedentary adults. The senior dancers in the program reported improvements in memory, attention, and focus. A similar ballroom dance program enrolled older people experiencing mild cognitive impairment. After the 10-month-long dancing class, they reported that participant’s thinking and memory had improved.
Dancing has also proven to be therapeutic for those living with Parkinson’s. It can help alleviate some of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s such as stiffness, tremors, impaired balance, and coordination. Dance can even help improve their gait. Studies have identified specific regions of the brain that are critical for cognitive health:
  • The hippocampus, where cognitive function and balance, memory consolidation, learning and navigation reside.
  • The motor cortex, which dictates planning, control and voluntary movement.
  • The basal ganglia, where coordination and fluid movement originate.
These same studies conclude that age-related degeneration in brain structure and cognitive impairment may be mitigated with physical activity, especially dance. This is because dance requires more than just motor skills so there is more “thinking” associated with it.