Why Dancing is Good for Your Body, Health, and Soul

Whether you’re in Canada, Thailand, or South Africa, there’s bound to be a dance floor somewhere. You see, dancing goes past borders; it is an integral part of being human: it’s a way for us to express our individualism, honor our ancestors, showcase art, and just have a good time.

But it’s more than that. There’s a number of physical and emotional benefits associated with dancing, from alleviating anxiety to increasing muscle mass. Even if you aren’t a professional dancer, you can still take advantage of dance’s healing and positive powers, and burn some calories in the process. That being said, read on to learn why dancing is good for your mind, body, and soul…

It’s a Stress Reliever

According to a study, hip hop not only improves energy and increases mood but is a major stress reliever much the same way aerobic exercise is.

And, when you think about it, it makes sense. When you dance – hip hop, Latin, and other faster-paced styles, in particular – your body is in constant motion. You’re leaping, break dancing, and twirling; movements that increase blood flow and up your heart rate, which are the same benefits you get when doing your morning jog on the treadmill.

Boosting Those Endorphins

As you may know, exercise increases endorphins, hormones that are known for decreasing cortisol (stress hormone) and making you feel better. It’s no wonder then that dance, being a form of both exercise and art, decreases stress.

It’s a Mood Booster

We alluded to this earlier, but let’s just say it for what it is; dance is great for your mood. And, there’s research to back this up. The study involved 112 teenage girls who suffered from several physical and mental health problems, ranging from back and neck pain to anxiety and depression. Half of the girls participated in a weekly dance class while the other half didn’t. The results showed that the girls who danced weekly felt better.

And, what’s even more exciting, is that these results lasted up to 8 months. Long story short, don’t quit that weekly salsa class – it’s helping you in more ways than just breaking a sweat. (And, to feel even more like the dancer that you are, you may want to get costumes for dancers.)

Your Social Health Improves

One of the wonderful benefits of dance is that not only can you can dance by yourself but with other people. It’s a great way to break the ice and meet new friends. You automatically have something in common with the person dancing next to you – even before you say hello.

Billy Idol Says It Best

Yes, Billy Idol got it right with one of his hits, “Dancing with Myself.” You don’t have to dance in a club or onstage at a competition representing your team’s colors. Simply dancing in your room by yourself is a great way to get all of dance’s positive benefits, not to mention pretend you’re Cheryl Burke or Whitney Carson.

It Helps You Lose Weight

Like running, jogging, and soccer, while dance is an art form, it’s also a sport. Which means when you are on the dance floor showing off your moves, you are also getting your heart rate up, blood pumping and, in combination with a healthy diet, losing weight.

Dancing Off the Weight

In fact, a New Zealand school teach did just that. After feeling unhappy with her life, Roni Tarver started to eat healthier and exercise. Eventually, she attended a Zumba class. And, soon after, became addicted to it, taking more and more classes. Not only did Tarver dance off 100 pounds but now is a Zumba instructor herself. So, case in point, don’t miss that weekly Zumba class.

It Deepens Your Self-Awareness

Dance doesn’t just help you physically and emotionally, but can settle your soul. Meditative dance helps to deepen your self-awareness and awaken your consciousness.

According to Elephant Journal, Native Americans used dance as a way to develop a deeper connection with the plants and animals. We also see this today in churches, where worshippers dance to celebrate and connect with God.

It Connects Us With our Heritage

Dance not only is a spiritual but cultural. We can use dance to bring us closer to our ancestors. We see this when Tongan and Samoan rugby teams begin the game with famous traditional war dance, Siva Tau, which used to be danced before going into battle.

Samoa and Tonga aren’t the only countries that use dance to mark special occasions. All around the world, dance celebrates big milestones like weddings and rites of passages. We can see this in the US where traditionally there’s a wedding reception after the wedding ceremony; the now-married couple takes the stage and dances the first dance, with family and friends following after. And, in Mexico and other Latin American countries, family and friends dance at Quincieañeras (celebration of a 15-year-old girl’s birthday and transition to adulthood).

Final Thoughts: Dance is Powerful

Dance shapes our bodies, minds, and spirits. It connects us with each other, our ancestors, and ourselves. It makes us feel better and increases our moods, which, in fact is the top reason why people dance recreationally.

Long story short, if you were looking for a reason to start or continue dance, this article is for you: go out and enjoy the powers of this beautiful and physical demanding art form.

How is dance good for you? What benefits have you enjoyed from it? Be sure to leave a comment below.

*This is a collaborative guest post.