Dancing is a very therapeutic thing. A lot of research points to the – incredible psychological and physical benefits that it warrants.. Dancing features towards the top of the list of things that can slow down or even reverse ageing. It bolsters aerobic strength, flexibility, agility and also facilitates healthy social interactions, sharpens the mind and is known to ease depression and anxiety. Even when we think about it instinctively, we know that it’s difficult to not be joyous when you’re dancing.
People who dance have better posture, are considerably less stiff, have improved muscular endurance and are less likely to be overweight than those who don’t.
Dance can change your brain. Learning a new form of dance is like learning a new language, it creates new connections in your brain and gives you a new framework through which to view your surroundings, one more centred around your body than being focussed on the mond and the intellect alone. We talk so much, say so many words, most of our lives are centred around cognitive speech, around words and their possibility of deception, but movement that comes from within can only be honest. The body does not know how to hide, only the mind does. Dance creates a space for us to vacate our brains and minds for some time and occupy the body, truly embody our being and be aware of our surroundings.
It’s nothing short of magic when you start moving your legs and body in your feet in your arms to a certain count. a 1, a 2 a3 a 4, a 5 6 7. Suddenly now, you have a rhythm. The brain thrives in patterns and moving to a new rhythm is an entirely unique experience for your body. Each step you take is contributing towards forming new neural pathways. It’s a tremendously enriching experience! This can be be meditative for some people, can be liberating for others- magical for all
