Shake it Up! 4 Surprising Reasons to Dance Today

When is the last time you really danced? Not just a toe-tap, but a full-body dance. Most adults don’t make time for consistent dancing. It might seem silly to prioritize it when life gets so serious. And yet, you should. There are so many reasons to dance.  

Dancing doesn’t have to be about mastery. You don’t need to become a Rockette or a prima ballerina. What you need is joyful movement. There are so many reasons why. 

(Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise.) 

Embracing the ‘Fountain of Youth’  

If you take the time to watch interviews with centurions (and you should), you’ll notice a theme. When people over the age of 100 talk about a long and satisfying life, they mention dancing. It is certainly one part of their ‘fountain of youth’.  

You might think, “why dance?” Well, it just so happens we really are born to dance. Our brain’s reward center lights us when we combine music and movement. This isn’t some silly thing, either. Dancing’s layered benefits enhance your life’s longevity and overall well-being. We’re talking serious health benefits!  

4 Reasons to Dance Today  

First of all, dancing can be fun. That should be plenty reason to squeeze a little dance break into your day. Still, there are more powerful reasons to dance as well.  

Physical 

Dance is a form of heart-healthy ‘cardiovascular aerobic’ exercise. This means that dancing is great for reducing cholesterol and improving blood pressure. Those benefits alone are great reasons to dance. Still, there are even more ways your physical body benefits from dance. 

Specifically, low impact dancing helps build strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Your older self will thank you for these gifts, because they impact mobility long-term. But, even in the short term, the physical benefits of dance are great. For example, a stronger core improves daily posture. Some people even report sleeping better too! 

Cognitive 

Another one of the best reasons to dance is all about cognition. Dance strengthens the brain as much as it strengthens the body. Why? Because learning choreography improves memory and attention.   

Coordinating movement and rhythm builds and reinforces the brain’s neuroplasticity. AKA, you develop better connections in your brain.  Think about it! A good beat means you need to focus on timing, spatial awareness, and balance. This eventually improves problem-solving skills, memory, decision-making and planning. In fact, research suggests regular dancing may also protect against cognitive decline by building cognitive reserve or deposits into your “mental savings account”. No wonder centurions all love to dance! 

Emotional 

Don’t discount the benefit dance has on your mood! Dance is a powerful and wholistic tool for mental well-being. It alleviates anxiety and makes you feel good. That is not trivial. In reality, dancing decreases symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins, cortisol and dopamine. Think “happy feet”. 

Also, dance provides a nonverbal outlet for emotional expression by allowing for the processing of feelings without words. In this way, dance serves as a form of active, creative therapy. Just think, mastering new steps builds self-confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment. All of this leads to more emotional resilience.  

Social  

Lastly, one of the most underrated reasons to dance is the social aspect. As the saying goes, “It takes two to Tango.” The added social component of joining the dance floor with others adds another entire list of benefits.  Group dancing whether in a class, performance or social gathering decreases isolation, increases connection, builds a sense of belonging/community, and fosters cooperation and team building.  All this combats loneliness. 

Dance Like No One is Watching! 

When you consider all of the reasons to dance, who cares if someone is watching. Maybe they also want the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits dance has to offer! The important thing is making time for playful, happy movement.   

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