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| Photograph by Chris Willis |
There’s a
reason that dance is found in every culture. Modern science has only begun to
examine the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual benefits that
have held intuitive value in human society throughout all history. In short,
dancing makes you a better human being in body, mind, and soul.
The General Benefits of Dance
You
probably know that dance, like many aerobic activities, is great for burning
calories and toning muscles. Unlike a standard gym equipment workout, however,
practitioners also work on balance, coordination, and flexibility. These forms
of conditioning are essential to creating better body awareness, improving
posture, and preventing injury. This powerful fitness combination is an
effective booster for heart health, immune system response, hormone regulation,
and blood circulation. That is why…
·
Dancers have brighter, clearer
skin. A benefit of better circulation and
enhanced oxygen to skin cells. Maximize your skin’s potential by drinking lots
of water especially before, during, and after dance class. Slough off dead skin
cells regularly in the shower with a loofah and gentle exfoliant.
·
Dancers sleep better. Whole-body health and wellness is associated with
an increased ability to follow natural cycles. For the best sleep, try for at
least a half hour of dance or other physical activity every day. Do not dance just before
bedtime, though.
Dance is
mentally stimulating, as well. Having to synchronize the movements of different
muscle groups improves motor skills. The aesthetics of the art are tied to
spatial geometry, and the practitioner must be aware of and learn to create
shapes and lines with their bodies. This is why it’s hard to be bored in dance
class, and it’s also why…
·
Dancers have good memory. Mental alertness and functioning is stimulated
during a time when increased oxygen is being delivered to brain cells. Be sure
to challenge yourself both physically and mentally with your dance practice and
change up your routine as often as you can. If you normally improvise, try
creating a choreography (and vice versa). Take apart your go-to combinations
and create some new ones.
Dance is a
well recognized form of psychotherapy used primarily for its ability to promote
healthy body image, positive social interactions, and confidence. It is also a
notable form of stress relief and management. These benefits are especially
important to the modern woman, who is bombarded by unrealistic standards of
female beauty by mainstream media. Moms are the new unsung superheros of today,
expected to fulfill roles both within and without the domestic sphere. Many
women are drawn to dance for its social and emotional benefits, and it’s also
why…
·
Dancers make better decisions. Stress is linked to procrastination and
impulsiveness, both of which can lead to making poor choices. A person of
healthy mind is better able to weigh the facts and consequences, and is more
likely to give up immediate satisfaction for long-term benefit. For dancers
this is especially true with body-related decisions such as wearing a seat
belt, choosing not to smoke, and practicing safe sex.
Did
you know… that there are ‘dancer’ genes? A study published in the
American Journal by psychologist Richard P. Ebstein and colleagues revealed
that dancers consistently differed from the general public at two key gene
locations. Interestingly enough, these genes had little to do with physical
ability. Instead they were associated with a personality that tends to communicate
through symbolism, and to attach a ceremonial or spiritual connection to this
communication.
The
Unique Benefits of Belly Dance
Within the
spheres of different dances there are unique benefits. Belly dance emphasizes
fine articulation of the core, pelvis, and gluteal muscle groups. These are
stimulated in several ways. Movements like shimmies utilize a rapid contraction
and release mechanism, while circles and eights tend to elongate and strengthen
muscles simultaneously. This is why..
·
Belly dancers digest better. We move muscles of the abdominal and
pelvis region which massages deeper internal organs. The result is better
intestine and colon health. Remember, though, to leave at least an hour or two
after eating before you practice. Having food content in the stomach while
dancing can make one nauseous!
·
Belly dancers have less intense
menstrual cramps. Strengthening of
pelvic muscle groups and improvements in blood circulation help prevent cramps
over time. However, practicing belly dance can also relieve cramps when they
occur. It’s even recommend by the
Kotex brand.
·
Belly dancers experience less
back pain. Back pain is now
reported by over 80% of adults, and the numbers continue to increase as our
lives become increasingly sedentary. Relief can be found, however, by
strengthening the deep core muscles that cushion and support the spine. This is
why it is especially important to always practice with good posture, otherwise
dancing may instead aggravate an existing back condition.
·
Belly dancers experience easier
child-birth. Belly dance has
been used in Arabic cultures to condition women for child birth for hundreds of
years. Studies now confirm that belly dance, through its strengthening and
lengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, is in fact great pre and post natal
exercise. Increased blood circulation to these regions also delivers more
oxygen to the developing fetus. Women who are pregnant, or who plan to become
pregnant, should consult their doctor first to make sure belly dance as a
prenatal exercise is appropriate for their body.
