A recent study by Orebro University Hospital and Orebro University, Sweden, indicated that the teenage girls who attended dance sessions twice a week showed great improvement in self-esteem, mental health and ability to cope with daily problems of stress. This study, which was published in the American Journal Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (JAMA), showed that the positive effects of dance training were observed in the follow-ups for 4 to 8 months.
Not only in kids, multiple studies conducted on middle aged and older women indicated that dancing reduced the chances of heart diseases, blood pressure, and stroke. It strengthens bones and muscles. Dancing twice a week made them more active, agile and flexible and improved their concentration. Findings also indicated that older women who are normally prey to depression and loneliness at that age could overcome them due to group dancing.
Dancing requires coordination between the mind and body, and memorising sequences of steps sharpens the brain and enhances cognitive function. Research revealed that dancing showed positive results with patients suffering from Insomnia, Dementia and Alzheimer diseases.
Whatever may be the type of dance, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, hip-hop, disco and jazz and partner dance or musical accompaniment or any other type of traditional dance, apart from being fun and enjoyable, keeps the person fit and healthy. Although the amount of benefits depends on the intensity and duration of dancing, the recreation provided by it cannot match with any other type of physical activity.
Today, there are many fitness centres and recreation centres where dancing is introduced as a group exercise programme, which is likely to increase due to its overall benefits to man.
