Hip-hop, ballet, salsa or modern – in other words: easy-going, disciplined or relaxed? We’ve popped together a mini rundown of exactly what to expect at each class, so you can dance with confidence and nail the first class.ġ. When it comes to dance, hunting down a style that suits you can be one of the hardest bits about committing to a long-term class. Regular booty-shaking may help prevent bone problems like arthritis. A dance class may lift your mood more than a gym sesh or listening to upbeat music.ĥ. Aerobic dance training has been shown to be just as effective to losing weight as cycling and jogging.Ĥ.
People over 40 who dance may almost halve their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.ģ. Regularly learning new dance routines has been shown to be linked with a 76 per cent reduction in dementia risk.Ģ. Even if it’s just you and Beyonce busting out in the bedroom, science wants you to get your groove on.ġ. “It’s a great way to meet new people who share similar interests, too!” adds the school’s general manager, Clare McKenzie.Īnd with a recent study by the European Journal Of Sport Science linking mini dance sessions to positive changes in mood, high energy, and lower stress levels, rhythmic movement has become just as much of a mental exercise as a physical one. “Not only does it get you moving, but it often takes place in a social environment that can help to reduce isolation and build up a sense of community,” explains Katrina Rank, Ausdance Victoria’s () director of education and lifelong learning.
Those who spend time moving to music have reported an increased strength in long-term memory ability and higher levels of social satisfaction. We’re not just talking about feeling an improved level of happiness, either. And the best bit? They are so good for you! With physical activity associated with higher levels of cardiovascular health, fitness in general obviously has huge health benefits, but it’s the proven mental and social aspects of dance that give it such a huge tick of approval from the experts. In Australia and New Zealand alone, there are thousands of drop-in dance classes where beginners – even those of us hiding out in the back row – can casually try a style that they’re keen on, without committing to one million lessons.