The Benefits of Dancing for the Body And Mind

There’s a scene in the cult film Uptown Girls where the carefree Molly (Brittany Murphy) advises Ray (Dakota Fanning) to permit herself to enjoy freestyle movement. Molly tells the precocious eight-year-old that it would help her loosen up and possibly shake off the chip on her shoulder. See, the benefits of dancing go beyond strengthening your core. They encompass various aspects of your well-being, too.

Read on to see the many perks of dancing, whether for fun or fitness. Some of these benefits may just surprise you.

The physical benefits of dancing are obvious. If you watch Dancing With the Stars, you can see how the sport trimmed down the likes of Alyson Hannigan, Kirstie Alley, Kelly Osbourne, and more. From contemporary to modern jazz, expect every muscle in your body to burn and sweat. The beauty of dancing is that while it is a physical challenge, it usually feels more fun and less like work.

Why is dancing so good for your brain? Does dancing equal better perception and memory? Numerous studies comparing how various sports improve mental function show that dance is the most effective. For example, a New England Journal of Medicine paper, which observed the effects of 11 physical activities, reveals that only dance lowers the risk of dementia.

Yes, following steps and choreography teaches your body to juggle simultaneous movements, but the explanation is much more cerebral than that.

An article in Scientific American states that the combination of music and movement triggers the brain’s sensory and motor circles while the sound spurs its reward centers. Mastering a routine trains your brain to go through a series of mental gymnastics that you can apply in other situations in life.

The benefits of dancing also include flexibility. You might be able to keep your leg straight during an arabesque after a series of dance lessons, but did you know it also helps your brain become more adaptable?

According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, dance activities teach you to adjust to new and changing situations. Whether reacting to a smaller dance space or dealing with a wardrobe malfunction mid-performance, you become more agile and creative in problem-solving.

A study in Frontiers in Physiology reveals that students who engage in dance at school show enhanced initial socialization skills and academic achievement. Another study in Frontiers in Psychology reports that dance also improves self-expression, self-awareness, self-development, and self-confidence – all building blocks that can help you engage with others better.

Seeing ballerinas and ballroom dancers with their straight backs and flawless forms might be daunting, but you don’t have to be a technical performance artist to reap the benefits of dancing. Beginners can opt for easier genres, such as waltz or modern dance. If you don’t have the budget to sign up for a program, you can start with tutorials on YouTube.

Whatever level you’re in, dancing can make you break a sweat. Apply Rexona Vitamin +Bright Dry Serum Vit C Anti-Stain before any rehearsal or performance. It controls odor and brightens and smoothens the underarms, ensuring nothing restricts your moves and confidence. Another option is Rexona Vitamin +Bright Dry Serum Rose Glow. Swipe it four to six times per underarm daily to enjoy the full effects. It has a sweet rose scent that will keep you fresh even after a hardcore dancercise.

Now that you know the many benefits of dancing, what are you waiting for? Turn up the volume and grab your dancing shoes! You can even go barefoot – just make sure you exercise proper foot care!