Are you tired of sitting at parties, weddings, or dances because you can’t dance? Never again say no to a dance invitation! Whoever said you can’t work hard and have FUN at the same time? Let us teach you how to dance. We are today’s makers of great dancers, and we’ll show you how easy it can be!
Dancing has the power to completely transform lives. It’s great exercise, fun, builds self-confidence and improves physical coordination. For singles, there’s simply no better way to meet people than to be able to dance with confidence at parties. Dancing gives couples a marvelous past-time to share.
Excerpt: Dancing has wide appeal for many older adults because of their positive memories and experiences at a younger age. Dancing bolsters physical and mental health by helping to prevent falls, improve posture and flexibility, lift mood and ease anxiety. It’s also a fun activity that sharpens the mind, increases aerobic power and strength, builds social bonds, and can reduce pain and stiffness.
Dancing has wide appeal for many older adults because some of their fondest memories and most positive life experiences involve dancing at different stages of life, from high school proms to their own and their children’s weddings.
By putting on your dancing shoes for a waltz, tango or foxtrot, you can embrace the fun feelings and memories, and also reap the many health benefits of dancing:
- Prevent falls Older adults who had mobility concerns, balance issues or early signs of memory loss reported less fear of falling* after participating in an adaptive ballroom dancing program, reported the McMaster Institute for Research in Aging. Dancing also reduces the prevalence of falling for healthy older adults,* according to a Journal of Aging and Physical Activity study.
- Improve posture and flexibility Older Australians who took 10 Ballet for Seniors classes increased their flexibility, improved posture and showed higher energy levels,* reported Massachusetts General Hospital.
- Lift your mood Dance movement therapy and dance improve mood, and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety,* according to a study in The Arts in Psychotherapy
- Keep your mind sharp Dance movement therapy and dance improve mood, and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety,* according to a study in The Arts in Psychotherapy.
- Boost aerobic power and muscle strength Dance movement therapy and dance improve mood, and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety,* according to a study in The Arts in Psychotherapy.
- Make new friends Dancing, or moving to music with others, encourages and increases social bonding with strangers,* according to an Oxford University study. Strong social connections improve long-term health as much as adequate sleep, a good diet and not smoking,* says Harvard Medical School.
- Help your heart Waltzing boosted heart health and improved breathing for people with mild to moderate heart failure as much as stationary cycling and walking on a treadmill, reported a Circulation: Heart Failure study. The Italian researchers noted dancing is fun and does more for the soul,* so patients are more likely to stick with it as an exercise program.
- Reduce pain and stiffness
Older adults with knee and hip discomfort from arthritis were able to decrease their use of pain medication by 39% and move around more easily after participating in a 12-week, low-impact dance program, reported a Geriatric Nursing study.
Chartwell Retirement Residences offers a wide range of dance activities, including our signature Rhythm ‘n’ Moves program, line dancing and dance classes.
* The following sources provide references for this blog, in order of appearance:
1. Fort Erie Observer. “Dance class aims to improve health in seniors.” (2019), online: //forterieobserver.ca/2019/02/dance-class-aims-to-improve-health-in-seniors/ 2. Auckland University of Technology. “Physical benefits of dancing for healthy older adults: A review.” (2009), online: //www.researchgate.net/publication/40033548_Physical_Benefits_of_Dancing_for_Healthy_Older_Adults_A_Review 3. Massachusetts General Hospital. “Study: Dancing boosts fitness and mood of older adults.” (2018), online: //www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=6842 4. University of Heidelberg. “Effects of dance movement therapy and dance on health-related psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis. (2014), online: //www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455613001676 5. Stanford Dance. “Use it or lose it: Dancing makes you smarter, longer.” (2010), online: //socialdance.stanford.edu/Syllabi/smarter.htm 6. Auckland University of Technology. “Physical benefits of dancing for healthy older adults: A review.” (2009), online: //www.researchgate.net/publication/40033548_Physical_Benefits_of_Dancing_for_Healthy_Older_Adults_A_Review 7. Oxford University. “Music and social bonding: “self-other” merging and neurohormonal mechanisms.” (2014), //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4179700/ 8. Harvard Health Publishing. “The health benefits of strong relationships” (2010), online: //www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-health-benefits-of-strong-relationships 9. American Heart Association. “Waltz dancing in patients with chronic heart failure.” (2008), online: //www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/circheartfailure.108.765727 10. WebMD. “Waltz your way to better heart health.” (2006), online: //www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20061113/waltz-your-way-to-better-health#1
11. Saint Louis University Medical Center. “Older adults feel less hip, knee pain when moving to the groove.” (2014), online: //www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140612174449.htm
Ballroom dancing is inherently a social activity. And while you don’t need a partner to learn how to dance, it does take “two to tango.” Because of this, one of the best aspects of this hobby is its ability to bring people together. We offer you a great opportunity to expand your social circle and engage with people in a laid-back environment where there is no pressure or expectations.
Our studios are set up to promote fun and friendships! We pride ourselves in the supportive, welcoming environment you’ll find in every one of our studios. And our group lessons, weekly practice parties, guest parties, studio events and outings give you a great opportunity to build social connections and engage with people from all walks of life. How many other activities give you the opportunity to attend a party or class every week of the year! And can you imagine the improvement in your social life when you do attend a social event every week of the year!
Most friendships in your life derive from a common denominator or passion, and these social meetings often transition into lasting friendships outside of the studio. These people will become an integral part of your life since you are all learning the same activity and involved in the same hobby.
Whether you’re a single person or a couple, learning to dance will most definitely enhance your social life. Ballroom Dancing is perfect for a single who wants to learn something new or a couple looking to reconnect and expand their circle. How long has it been since you did something just for you? You’re sure to be in social settings that have music throughout your life and knowing how to dance will make those settings more comfortable….and even fun!
Click the images below, to read more about the health benefits of Dance:
So why not try it out? Come alone or with your dance partner. Learn something new, make new friends, and reap numerous health and social benefits… all from merely learning to dance. Find the Fred Astaire Dance Studio nearest you, and join us for some FUN!
We look forward to seeing you soon, and helping you take the first step on your dance journey!
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