Dancing Isn’t Just Fun, It’s a Brain and Body Hack

My close friend Siobhan met her husband Eric one winter when she decided to take up ballroom dancing. Their instructor paired them as partners, and the rest, as they say, is history. A year later, the entire dance class showed up for their wedding.

Their story is just one of the many ways rhythm and movement bring people together.

Dancing has always had a special place in my heart. I'm not a trained dancer, but more the type whose feet start tapping and body sways the moment the beat drops. Strangely enough, even as an introvert, I never shied away from dance performances — mostly the Bollywood kind all through school and college.

I still remember some of the choreography, the hours of practice trying to get the steps right, the energy, and most of all, the excitement before going onstage in front of a live audience.

With adulthood came responsibilities, and dancing, beyond the occasional wedding or celebration, took a backseat.

The wonderful thing is, I see many of my friends making a return to the dance scene, whether it's traditional group dances like Thiruvathirakali during Onam, Bharatanatyam performances, or popular Bollywood routines. My friend, Rima, even travels all over the US with her dance group performing as backup dancers for visiting Indian celebrities. Once, she had the chance to share the stage with actress Priyanka Chopra.

At this point, I'm not interested in performing onstage. However, that hasn't stopped me from wearing out the carpet in my living room with moves that are low to moderate intensity.

Along with improving my flexibility, dancing makes me feel alive and full of joy. There's something liberating about letting loose, not caring if you are doing it perfectly, but just doing it.

A big advantage of dance is that there is always something for everyone, no matter your age or style. If that isn't enough to get you moving, here are 5 reasons that might persuade you to bust a few moves:

5 benefits of dancing for body, mind, and soul

Brain boost & mood magic

Have you wondered why you feel great after a workout? That's because of endorphins, the 'feel good' hormones released into the bloodstream. I get that same high every time I dance. I feel good about myself, my body, and that I can pick up choreography and make it my own.

Dance is great for emotional well-being, as well as for improving memory. No wonder research shows that it benefits those with Parkinson's Disease by increasing coordination, agility, range of motion, and stamina.

Heart & lungs in motion

My doctor says I need to up my game to keep my heart healthy. I do that with nature walks and dancing. For someone who doesn't hit the gym, these are great ways to get the heart moving, lower blood pressure, and help shed a few pounds.

Power moves and flex appeal

In January this year, I committed to losing belly fat with a combination of dancing, wall Pilates, and crunches. It took about 4 weeks to see results, but during the summer, I let go — blame it on the good weather and outdoor dining. Once winter hits, though, I'm hoping to get back to my old routine.

Friends, fun & growing up strong

Dancing in a group is a confidence booster and can spark connections, as it did for my friends Siobhan and Eric.

And that's not all. According to research, dance helps children and teens stay fit, improve mental health, and cultivate social skills, making it a good alternative to regular exercise.

The art of self-expression

Did you know that some birds, like parrots, can move rhythmically to music? Yes, they can communicate nonverbally through dance!

Is that so surprising?

I once asked someone why they posted seemingly random things about themselves on social media. She said it was her way of self-expression. I get that.

I'll let you in on a little secret. I am a beginner-level pole dancer. How could I not try it since it's a fun exercise and such a test of body control? I also have an ulterior motive in learning it, and that is to keep things exciting in my relationship.

That way, dancing for my partner is a form of self-expression. It combines storytelling, about love and desire, with movement to create a unique language of its own.

Do you enjoy dancing? What is your favorite kind?

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