Why Dancing is for ALL Ages!

Did everyone have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend? What a great time to relax, enjoy family and friends, and have fun!

And speaking of having fun, when is the last time you danced? As we discuss often in our blog "All About Ballroom Dancing in Phoenix, AZ", dancing is so beneficial to every person in so many ways.

Today, though, we’re going to reach out to the 50+ age group with some exciting tips that may motivate you, your partner, and your friends to get on out on the dance floor for some social dancing. If you’re under 50, you can pass this cool information on to your parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents- you’ll be glad you did.

Whether you are learning to swing, salsa, or Country two-step, dancing can be magical and transforming. It can rejuvenate a tired soul; compel your spirit to soar; release locked-away creativity; unify generations and cultures; inspire new romances or rekindle old ones; generate long-forgotten memories; and convert sadness into joy.

Dancing is also an amazing way to achieve an awesome mind-body workout. In fact, researchers are learning that regular physical activity can help keep your body and brain healthy as you age. Since dancing requires you to remember dance steps and sequences, it actually advances brain power by helping to improve memory skills.  So, if you’re frustrated because you seem to be forgetting things more often than usual, grab a friend, and go take a few salsa or swing dance lessons!

There is even more promising research regarding the benefits of ballroom dancing. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that social dancing at least twice a week made people less inclined to develop dementia. Research also has shown that some people with Alzheimer's disease are able to recall forgotten memories when they dance to music they used to know. Isn’t it wonderful when you hear music you haven’t heard for a while and it takes you right back to a moment in your life when it meant so much to you and probably still does? It makes you want to get up and dance!

Social dancing can also strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints. How great that is for those with joint issues? And when you are smart about this, not overdoing and listening to your body, it really does make a difference.  Did you know that dancing aids in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which prevents calcium from being absorbed into the bones? How cool is that? Dancing also keeps the joints lubricated, which helps prevent arthritis. Just think, as you are dancing the night away, you are actually helping your body to grow stronger.

Getting out on the dance floor can tone your entire body without you even realizing that you are getting a workout. This is definitely one of life’s “yippee” moments! Maybe next time you try to slip on those jeans that have been getting a little hard to get into will be a breeze after a few months of Country two step or salsa dancing. It's also great to know that dancing improves your posture and balance, so any falling incidents will be less likely to occur. 

Social dancing will increase your stamina and flexibility- who wouldn’t appreciate that? Dancing regularly can reduce stress and tension, something we can all use in these times. It will build your confidence, enabling you to feel good about yourself. When you have that confidence, you project that out and can do almost anything. 

Dancing also provides opportunities to meet people. New friends help you to grow, make you laugh, and support you as you learn. And, as if all of this wasn’t enough, social dancing can also ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. 

Wow- Who would have thought that in addition to having fun, dancing could be so beneficial in such a variety of ways? So, if you’re tired of the gym and treadmill and  you are looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, it might be time to kick up your heels!

Are you ready to get dancing but not sure where to go to learn? Do you live in Phoenix, Arizona? Then head over to Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, AZ! Dance FX Studios has been leading the pack among local dance studios. From creating the first purely social dancing studio for adults to creating customized social dance programs to offering private lessons, progressive group classes, dance parties with live bands and Zumba® Fitness classes, they have become trend-setters. Come check us out for yourself to see how the benefits of dancing can be yours with our introductory offer. You'll be so happy that you did!

Happy Dancing!