Why Dancing Is the Ultimate Exercise for Body and Soul
Dancing. A way to move. A way to celebrate. A way to release. A way to connect. Whether in clubs, dance classes or simply at home, it's been one of my favourite ways to move my body and express myself since I was a wee little girl. But it wasn't until recent years that I've reconnected with the power it has. So I wanted to take a deep dive on why it makes us feel so good in body and mind. Let's take a journey to the dance floor to better understand why we dance and what benefits it brings.
Let's start with a little bit of history
OK, let's take a big step back and look at when we started dancing. Dance rituals have existed since before history was recorded, dating back to ancient civilisations. The earliest evidence of which comes from 9,000 years ago – cave paintings in India which depicted dancing figures moving together. Moving onwards, the ancient Greeks and Romans used dance as a key way to celebrate, for entertainment and in ritualistic ceremonies such as birthing ceremonies or even dances to promote crop growth. In India and China, dance served as a formal part of tradition and core part of their culture, deemed essential at religious ceremonies. Dance is present in every country; a visual representation of cultural expression and the music of each individual place.
Aside from cultural representation, dance has always been a place for people to let go. From cavemen to ravers, rhythmically shaking, moving and bouncing the body has long been, and continues to be, a ritualistic way to release any negative energy or emotion. A 'purification' somewhat of the soul – something a lot of my fellow dancefloor lovers will definitely connect to.
But where do you dance now?
As I mentioned before, dance was a really key part of culture. Now however, at least in the UK, it's difficult to access spaces where you are given the opportunity to really release and let go – without the influence of substances or without structure (like a dance class). As a result, dancing has become something people associate only with substances or something that should be demoted to a dance or zumba class. But I truly think freely moving your body not only feels good but is an instant mood lifter as well as a body boost – or at least a way to let go of any lingering feelings or emotions. And I must say the research agrees (woohoo).
What effect does dance have on the body and mind?
Let's take a journey into some of the top stats on dancing:
In an Australian study of 50,000 adults on their hobbies with a 12-year follow-up, dance was linked to a 46% reduced risk of stroke or heart attack.
One study looking at hobbies and activity of elderly people saw a 76% reduced risk of dementia with regular dancing.
A study at the University of Oxford observed an increased feeling of social bonding when regularly engaging in group dancing, as well as a release of feel-good endorphins after just 10 minutes.
It's clear to see dance has benefits that go way beyond the body. But if you're looking for those body benefits, say hello to improved coordination, balance and stability. As well as a really easy way to get some movement in without thinking too much.
And when it comes to the mind, expect a boost in your memory, enhanced social capacity and a way to better connect with your body (if you're partial to a racing mind). What's more, it can help to boost your confidence and provide a time to give some gratitude to that brilliant body of yours. It can also serve as a place to really release any feelings or to be softer and more gentle with your body. Freely dancing is a time to really ask your body what it needs and give it a bit of R&R.
How you can integrate dance into your everyday life
So how do you integrate it into your everyday life? Now I know some of you might be hesitant – you might dance only when you’re a few proseccos down at a wedding or never have stepped foot in a dance class. No worries – dance is about meeting you where you are. Start with a song which reflects the mood you're in or to balance out how you're feeling. You might need a cosy slow one and you want to keep your body nice and relaxed. Or maybe you're looking for more of an energy boost or release with something more bassy. Close your eyes and start to move your body, matching the music freely and trying to release any tension you might be holding. Alternatively, pop on your favourite track with your partner, pal, flatmate or kids and just dance it out. Laugh, be silly and let go.
Now when you're comfortable here, why not challenge yourself and try a more social setting to get a connection boost too? Here are some places and spaces to try:
Sober raving: yeah I mean it. Being sober in dance environments can be tough at first but remember no one cares. And you most likely won't see those people again. Go solo or with a pal you trust, take snacks and pick an event that you really enjoy the music. Try and release and let go – even if it's just for 10 minutes.
Attend an event: why not try one of my dance parties (woohoo) or an ecstatic dance workshop? Here you'll be in safe spaces who also are looking for a little dance release.
Try a dance class or zumba: if you would feel more safe in a structured environment, try a class to take away the anxiety of having to lead yourself. Go with a friend or reach out to the instructor if you're feeling a bit jittery.
I hope I've at least convinced you to have a little kitchen boogie today and maybe even dip your toe into more conscious dancing outside of your comfort zone. Dance is a chance to be silly when the world is a bit serious, so give it a go – even if it's just for me (hehe). If you want to join me for a boogie, come join my dance party. And keep on looking out for more bloggys coming your way soon!
