How would you define dance? Maybe you view dance as an expressive art form. Or maybe you see dance as an act of worship to God. If you love Zumba, you probably see dance as the most fun form of exercise on the planet. While all these definitions are valid ones, there is another definition of dance that is often overlooked: an activity that will benefit the brain for a lifetime through enhanced mental function! Let me take you on a quick “dance” tour of some of the brain’s most valuable benefits from dance.
Dance to Boost Brain Function and Memory
One major benefit that dancing has on the brain is intelligence boosting. Now, before the non-dancers prepare to argue and say they are no less intelligent than those who dance, I am talking about enhancing intelligence through dance. Humans are highly complex and intelligent by nature, as we were created that way. Dancing, however, causes a need for new neural pathways to form. This is important because as we age, brain cells begin to die and some pathways are damaged. By forming new pathways between cells, we are forming multiple bridges between memories—which means we will be able to recall more memories than someone with less pathways. The myriad—and often quick--movements involved in dance are what cause the brain to make and form new neural pathways.
Social freestyle dance, where one partner leads and the other follows, is one of the best for the brain. When you follow someone, your attention is locked and you must think quickly. This creates a mental workout hidden in the excitement and fun of dancing! When you lead, your brain is adjusting to your partner’s dance style so that you can more efficiently lead them. The lead’s brain also benefits from trying different moves instead of choosing the same moves each time they dance.
Zumba Fitness involves a different kind of lead-and-follow pattern that is also excellent for the brain. Studies show that Zumba is linked to better decision making and long-term memory. This makes sense--let me explain why. If Zumba is a Latin-International dance party, highlighting numerous dance genres that each have their own signature movements, then the Zumba dancer’s brain has infinite possibilities to form neural pathways. And by exercising the brain in class, the brain is conditioned to work more efficiently outside of class…
So yes, you can literally shimmy, shake, and single-single-double your way to a better brain!
For those who are scared to try a Zumba class, or a more difficult genre dance class that zeroes in on technique, guess what? A challenge is good—it means your brain is getting a mental workout. And while a Zumba class is designed to be easy to follow, the movement progressions are what provide the brain a challenge.
Dance To Prevent or Reverse Dementia and Alzheimer's Diseases
Another remarkable effect of dancing on the brain is the prevention and reversal of brain diseases. According to one study, those who danced were 76% less likely to develop dementia. Those who read were only 35% less likely to develop the disease. Most people agree that reading helps the brain, but the benefit of dancing cannot be overlooked here.
Those who have Parkinson’s disease often have difficulty moving, but one special treatment called Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) has actually helped them improve upper body movement as they practiced movement to specific rhythms.
Dance to Boost Your Mood Consistently
There is yet another major benefit of dancing on the brain: better mood! Exercise in general releases endorphins, the “happy chemicals” of the brain, but when you dance that happiness is compounded by the positive effect of the music on the brain! After a long workday, so many people tell me that they feel better after dancing in Zumba class. I’ve watched people who felt uptight or uncomfortable at a social gathering dance those feelings away. And I’ve seen in my own life that on the days I dance, my joy is multiplied!
Sometimes we may not feel like showing up to a dance class, but in most cases we leave feeling grateful that we did. Dancing at least four times per week will yield the biggest boost in mood. Over time, a healthy habit is formed, along with a healthier, happier you.
Conclusion
The brain and heart are the two most important organs of the body. We need our heart pumping to stay alive, and we need our brain functioning to live life. When we are younger, we sometimes forget how important it is to protect and nurture the heart—and the brain. By dancing, we challenge our brain to make new connections and, in turn, prepare the brain to do likewise in everyday life. We reduce our risk of brain diseases. And we boost our mood consistently so that we can enjoy life more. I encourage you to try a Zumba class at Island Time Fitness, or a line dance class with a group, or even play the Just Dance video game from the comfort of your own living room. Dancing will help nurture and promote brain function at a high level for many years to come.
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