First of all, do you love dancing? Or are you a good dancer? If you answer “yes” to both of them, then good for you! There are many forms of dance, from ballroom dance to barn dance, from disco dance to Morris dance. Dance has always been a part of human culture, rituals, and celebrations. Nowadays, most dance is related to entertainment and self-expression. It can also be a competitive activity. Dancing is an enjoyable way to increase physical activity and maintain health. There are some surprising benefits of dancing that I am going to mention in the following paragraphs.
Enhance memory

Dance not only provides you elegance, but also helps you grow old gracefully. According to one of the studies, as you age, dancing can enhance your memory and prevent you from developing dementia. Science shows that aerobic exercise can reverse the volume loss of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that controls memory. In late adulthood, the hippocampus shrinks naturally, which usually leads to memory loss and sometimes even dementia.
Improve flexibility

The plies and arabesques practiced by ballet dancers are not only for aesthetics, but also to increase flexibility and reduce stiffness. You can skip the ballet slippers, but you can still practice some simple stretching exercises at home to obtain the benefits of ballet. Increased flexibility will help reduce joint pain and soreness after exercise.

Reduce stress

If you are stressed out, you may want to turn up the music and dance with someone. According to one of the studies, partner dance and musical accompaniment can be effective for reducing stress.

Good for heart

For people who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, dancing is a great activity. One of the studies pointed out that compared with people who ride a bicycle or walk on a treadmill, people who have heart failure took up dancing have significantly improved their heart health, breathing, and quality of life.

Lose weight

Feel bored of cycling? One of the studies in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that an exercise program of aerobic dance training is the same as cycling and jogging, which are equally helpful for weight loss and aerobic capacity.

Make friends

Dance classes are an ideal place to meet new people to make new friends and expand socially to maintain positive relationships. Participating in dancing can increase happiness, reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.

Conclusion

To sum up, the surprising benefits of dancing include enhance memory, improve flexibility, reduce stress, good for heart, lose weight, and make friends. So what are you waiting for?! Grab a friend and dance.

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Reference:

1) https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/dance-health-benefits
2) https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness-pictures/health-benefits-of-dance.aspx