So Why Do People Dance Anyway?

Ever since I started dancing, people have doubted that I was an athlete or that dancing was demanding on my body. They think "dance is easy" or "anyone can dance", which is extremely far from the truth. Dancing is not only physically demanding, but it also works the mind and can provide a mental release. This means that dance keeps me in shape and is healthy not only in the obvious physical way, but also internally.

Dancing is essentially a full body workout, including cardio, strength, and endurance. Like other sports, participating in dance increases your muscular strength and tone, endurance and motor fitness. Dancing increases your heart rate, like a cardio workout, which helps improve the condition of your heart and lungs for healthier cardiovascular health. Because dancing is such a great way to stay active and get in shape, it can help aide in weight loss or management in an enjoyable way. This can be helpful for competitive dancers to maintain their weight, but also can be used in a recreational way by anyone! Another obvious benefit I've experienced through dancing is better coordination, flexibility, and balance. Although I have stretching routines and go more in depth to achieve a split or straddle, the act of dancing helps stretch out your muscles. This improves agility and range of motion, which is something positive to have in everyday life.

Although many people do not think of this as an obvious benefit of dance, your mental health and functioning can be improved. When you dance, you are constantly thinking about the choreography. While I dance, I am subconsciously say to myself "what is the next step", "where do my hands/feet need to go", "point your toes", "spot your turn", among other reminders. There is the need to be constantly thinking and processing information while you dance, which helps boost your cognitive performance. Also, you are challenging your brain when you need to focus on the constant change of movement and remember moves and patterns in the dance. In addition to working your mind, dancing also helps positively impact the mind by boosting self confidence and improving social skills. Dancers are always needing to work together and trust each other, especially for stunts, lifts, and any partner work. As a competitive dancer, I know I have to build strong relationships and rely on the other dancers in my class to support me and keep me safe during a dangerous trick.

Clearly, dancers are incredibly strong, physically and mentally. People who do not dance often overlook these benefits of dancing and do not believe it takes much skill to dance. However, dancing is extremely challenging on dancers' bodies and works their minds constantly. I can personally attest to this because I am always happier after dancing and satisfied with the fact that I am being active. Also, my endurance, muscles, full split, and bruises can prove how hard us dancers work!