Dancing, defined as the movement of the body to music and within a set space, can be an excellent way for adults to stay in shape and build confidence, and kids can reap some of the same health benefits. But don’t be fooled — it takes time to learn new moves and become a good dancer. And while anyone can have fun on the dance floor, it’s important to pick a style that matches your personality and abilities. Trying to be too flamboyant or fit in with the crowd can look weird, and even worse, it can hurt your body.
Start small and work your way up. You’ll find that most people, even professional dancers, were terrible when they started dancing. It’s all about putting in the time and showing up to class often enough to eventually become a good dancer. And as you progress, it’s also important to pay attention to your facial expressions and body language, which can make or break a performance.
Unlike walking or cycling, dance works your whole body on three planes of motion and requires lots of fast movements. It also helps you develop a higher cardio-fitness and boosts your mood by releasing endorphins, which can help fight depression and anxiety. Plus, it has been shown to improve balance, walking ability, coordination and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
