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Ballroom Dancing…A Secret Weapon!

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ballroom dance lessons arizonaAre you trying to recall something but nothing seems to be helping? Now that’s a feeling that people never like to experience, and yet inevitably, we all go through it. Delaying memory loss and the process of aging is something that has been studied by some of the smartest and most capable people all over the world. How can we as human beings extend our mental and physical longevity? Is there some fountain of youth that we all need to drink out of?  Unfortunately not, but I do have a lesser known secret as to how you can keep your mind sharp. Are you ready for this? Take ballroom dance lessons!

According to a study done by an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, dancing was linked to significant improvements in balance, flexibility, cardio-respiratory endurance and bone density, all of which are things that change with aging. She further expressed the psychological benefits of social dancing as well. She found increased communication, social engagement, and positive interactions emerged from social dancing. How cool is that!?

There are many studies out there that have unlocked the numerous health benefits of ballroom dancing. For instance, in a previous blog, we found out that in a recent 20-year long study of nearly 500 people done by the Albert Einstein Center in the Bronx, N.Y, dancing is the only regular physical activity associated with a significant decrease in the diseases of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.

So what are you waiting for?  If you start with social dance lessons now,  you can delay the aging process that so many of us fear. Even if you are not currently seeing any signs of aging, you can still help out your mind, body, and soul through ballroom dancing. Dances like Country Two Step, Salsa and Swing will keep your mind sharp, along with so many other great physical and mental anti-aging benefits.

The unique combination of mind, body, and spirit that ballroom dancing requires is the perfect combination for a great anti-aging secret.  Some specific results you may see from ballroom dancing that are quite exciting include stronger bones, slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol profile, improved agility, improved posture, strengthened muscles,  and an increase in stamina, among many many other possible benefits.

Dancing IS the anti-aging secret weapon, and your new “fountain of youth”, your new “potion for perpetual life”, is located right here in the East Valley of Phoenix at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We offer Private and Group Dance Lessons that are guaranteed to keep you feeling young from top to bottom!

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Social Dance…for the Health of it!

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social dance classes near Chandler ArizonaDid you know that you can literally dance your way into a healthier you? Yes! With increased endorphin levels, much like those you get from running on the treadmill, you will be burning calories, having fun and feeling great! There are so many great things about knowing how to Country dance, or Latin dance, that can keep the monotony of heading to the gym at bay that you may eventually want to even cancel your gym membership altogether one day. For now, hold on to it until you get to the point in your dance classes where you really get moving.

Speaking of that, when does that point happen in your dancing, you may be wondering. I would say about 10-15 hours into your Private Dance Lessons, you should really be moving around and experimenting with combinations and even some cool dance moves. At that point, you can replace dancing with the gym. Sardio is key for weight loss, you will need to be patient with the process of learning to dance and you will be movin’ and groovin’ around the dance floor before you know it.

Earlier I mentioned how social dancing is also key for mental health and well-being. Meeting and developing stronger bonds with others in the community is a critical aspect of mental health that social dancing surely provides. Also being able to connect with others physically through dance is both therapeutic and essential. We all need human interaction and closeness, and going out Country dancing or Salsa dancing can meet both of those needs in a safe and fun way. As Phil Martin, a fellow dance instructor is quoted in the L.A. times as saying, “Dancing simply makes you happy,” Martin says. “It’s a lifelong mood enhancer.”

Remember that learning different social dances, like Swing or Country Two Step dancing, is a mental challenge as well. Keeping the moves straight, knowing when and how to use them, and staying on time with the music is all part of your responsibility on the dance floor, at least for the leads. This is a ton of information to keep track of initially, but what comes out of it is the opportunity to train your brain to be active and think in new ways. It is for this reason that studies have shown that ballroom dancing wards off dementia . 

If you’re excited about subbing the excitement of learning to dance for your boring gym routine, then get going on beginner’s dance lessons! Singles and couples can learn to become confident social dancers with us at Dance FX Studios, located in the the Phoenix East Valley. If you live elsewhere, Google the best place where you can begin your journey into social dancing. You’ll make new friends, improve your health and do something great for you, and even your relationship, all through dance!