4 Pillars of Dance
Enriching lives physically, mentally, emotionally, & socially through the positive, transforming power of dance.
So much more than just our wide variety OF dance styles…
Physically
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Arguably the easiest and most obvious benefit, ballroom dancing is a great workout. Specifically, social dancing is a low-impact aerobic activity that burns fat and can boost your metabolism. In just 30 minutes of dance, you can burn between 200-400 calories. And as we all know, burning an extra 300 calories a day can help you lose ½-1 pound a week.
The Journal of Physiological Anthropology finds that dance as exercise is just as effective for weight loss as cycling or running. And it’s also an excellent form of maintenance exercise; to stay healthy and toned once you’ve reached your goal weight.
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Dancing also increases flexibility and most beginner dancers will notice a greater range of motion, a decrease in joint pain, muscle soreness and improvement to their balance and core strength. It won’t take long and you’ll look and feel stronger and toned.
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Do you have concerns about your physical health? Ballroom Dance can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones, lower the risk of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and promote increased lung capacity.
We can help with recovery from orthopedic surgery and the New England Journal of Medicine found that dance was one of the only activities that reduced the risk of cognitive impairments like dementia.
Mentally
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Research has found that ballroom dancing improves mental acuity throughout a dancer’s life and there are also substantial benefits to those who start ballroom dancing as adults. It enhances memory, alertness, awareness, focus and concentration. The 21-year study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine proved that ballroom dancing is the best way to prevent dementia and other neurological degeneration such as Alzheimer’s disease.
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The even more surprising part of this study? Ballroom dancing was the ONLY physical activity to offer protection against dementia (not swimming, playing tennis or golf, walking or bicycling). In 2003, this study concluded by saying that “dance can decidedly improve brain health.”
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Swedish researchers studying teenaged girls with stress, anxiety and depression saw a decrease in anxiety and stress levels among those who took up partnership dancing. The study also noted marked improvement in mental health and patients reported being happier than those who did not participate in ballroom dancing. We also know that ballroom dancing can decrease loneliness among all age groups and music makes you relax, let go and unwind. We’re told by our clients that they can feel the tension leave their bodies when they walk into our ballroom.
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In a 2015 article, Harvard Medical School reported that dance has such beneficial effects on the brain that it is now being used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease. And Oxford published a study in 2017 that concluded that dancing helps reduce levels of depression as shown by psychometric measures.
Emotionally
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Being connected with people, and having connections with other adults, is important to a healthy, well-rounded life. And the sheer act of being in someone’s arms while dancing is a connection that many adults are missing. Couples benefit from ballroom dancing by the improvement in their communication and the wonderful feeling of spending time together, working towards a common goal. Holding each other while talking, laughing, and even sweating is so much better than sitting beside each other, silently, in a movie theater!
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There’s also the emotional connection of performance while dancing to music too. Ballroom dancing is an easy activity for anyone to learn and provides an emotional outlet to express your feelings. Being on the dance floor is definitely a creative outlet and gives you the ability to use these expressive qualities in all aspects of your life. After only a few lessons, you’ll find yourself moving more easily through your dance steps while getting lost in the music.
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Lastly, being in a studio full of like-people that are having fun, celebrating mastering a common goal, and laughing while enjoying physical activity is pure gold to your emotional health and well-being. It’s a social situation that cannot easily be replicated and you’ll quickly discover that, together, everyone is learning and getting better.
Socially
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Ballroom dancing is inherently a social activity. And while you don’t need a partner to learn how to dance, it does take “two to tango.” Because of this, one of the best aspects of this hobby is its ability to bring people together. We offer you a great opportunity to expand your social circle and engage with people in a laid-back environment where there is no pressure or expectations.
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Our studios are set up to promote fun and friendships! We pride ourselves in the supportive, welcoming environment you’ll find in every one of our studios. And our group lessons, weekly practice parties, guest parties, studio events, and outings give you a great opportunity to build social connections and engage with people from all walks of life. How many other activities give you the opportunity to attend a party or class every week of the year? And can you imagine the improvement in your social life when you do attend a social event every week of the year?!
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Whether you’re a single person or a couple, learning to dance will most definitely enhance your social life. Ballroom Dancing is perfect for a single who wants to learn something new or a couple looking to reconnect and expand their circle. How long has it been since you did something just for yourself? You’re sure to be in social settings that have music throughout your life and knowing how to dance will make those settings more comfortable….and even fun!