(Warning: I am a little tired, so this may start to sound a little silly about half way through the blog. Yes, you have been warned.)
Last night, I went to a dance workshop downtown... in the rain... and yes, I walked 5 blocks into the ghetto of Iowa (without an umbrella), and took the sketchy bus all the way there!!! If that doesn't show my determination and confidence, I don't know what would! That bus is one... scary.... bus! [Kids, DON'T go on the bus by yourself unless you can strike up conversations with the homeless or smart mouth back at gangsters like I can :) Bring a friend... or pepper-spray. ]
Anyway, this dance workshop was held outside. I left my things in the dry studio, and danced in the cold downpour for about 2 hours near their parking lot. Apparently, the rain makes it harder to keep your shoulders relaxed... as though that isn't hard enough *laugh*. For some reason, I have to be totally tense when I start dancing! What the heck!?! The rain also makes you rely on other senses besides your sight. It wasn't about your partner or perfection, it was self-expression. It started as ballroom dancing, and transformed into a circle of hip-hop in the second hour. Then I took a proper lesson at 10:30 pm (with a new friend I met in that parking lot) instead of going to the club with everyone else from the workshop! I didn't get back to campus until midnight. Guess who had a big pile of homework and a lovely 8 am Psychology Lab this morning... I can say that even though I am running on 3 hours of sleep I would go dance like that again in a heartbeat.
Now, if you are not convinced that meeting random people and dancing until all hours of the night is fun... then lets see what the doctors have to say!
I did a little google search... well actually, a really big google search... and found that:
To help stay healthy the government recommends that everyone take part in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity five times a week. That's activity that gets you breathing faster, increases your heart rate. You don't have to be pouring with sweat and panting - you should be able to keep it up for half an hour. And the good news is that dancing counts. *and the crowd goes wild!*
Most dance styles, even a stately waltz, are the activity equivalent of at least a moderate (3mph) walk. Anyone who Highland flings or ballroom dances themselves around a room will up their heart rate quickly. Regular dancing will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Oh and BONUS POINTS: you'll enjoy yourself so much you'll forget you're exercising!
Regular dancing will also help keep you trim. Avoiding weight gain can become harder as we get older, because ageing is associated with a loss in muscle mass and an increase in body fat.... and don't forget those fun little face wrinkles that everyone worries about these days :) But as you shimmy across the floor, you'll be burning calories: in a half-hour dance session, an average 60kg/approx. 132 lb person will burn at least 99 calories. Of course this varies - you'll burn more with a lively Latino-style because you're moving more.
Dancing helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis because the steps put a strain on your bones, helping them to stay strong and dense. The more dense your bones are, the longer your bones will remain strong and less likely to fracture if you should fall. Other skills you'll develop as you learn to glide elegantly across the dance floor - poise and grace - encourage coordination, balance and muscle strength.
*laugh* I am nowhere near graceful! I can't help but chuckle at the thought of how long it will take for me to become graceful... I'm sure it will come a lot quicker to all of you. Actually, you are already more graceful because this morning I ran into a glass door! Has anyone seen the Windex commercial?! :)
Moving on... these skills are particularly important in later life as it helps to reduce the risk of falling, allowing people to maintain their mobility and independent living. For example... Even if I got that special "old people" Sunset Living bus to run over a certain someone that teaches me to ballroom dance, all the way over in the Chicago land area, he will still manage to survive and live independently... he may be a tad fragile after the incident, but he will remain mobile. Yes, he will heal and dance another day! * HALLELUJAH! HE HAS RISEN* Maybe dance will even help his bones heal faster! *laugh* - WOOHOO! :)
(Can you hear the slap happy in my voice... just wait until I get to the art store. I'll be there at 1:30 pm. I may even be more interesting than cable television! Gee Willikers! )
ONLY TWO PARAGRAPHS OF FUN FACTS TO GO!!!
A regular Cha - Cha or tango will help to keep your mind active as well as your body. Exercise improves circulation and helps prevent oxygen starvation to the brain, and remembering complex steps stimulates the working memory. In fact, research suggests that ballroom dancing reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia. (If you do develop either disease, I hear sunset living is a very nice facility...) Not only can exercise slow mental decline, but it may actually enhance brain power. And there's some evidence that listening to music while you exercise stimulates mental functioning more than silent activities. So regular dancing might even help you impress your chess mates or solve those trickier crossword clues... heck, even sudoku! *cough* - Matt - *cough*
Depending on the style you choose, a dance class can be a pleasant trip down memory lane (the 90s are a particular favorite) , or a stimulating voyage into new musical realms. Yes, I said it! MUSICAL REALMS! Exercising can lift your mood and reduce the risk of depression. Don't overlook the feel-good factor of a foxtrot. It is important to find something you enjoy, and that you can see and feel your improvement... that with practice, can give your confidence an enormous boost.
I LIED ... ONE MORE! MUST... ADVERTISE!!! *laugh*
Another good reason why dance benefits the brain - social life. Of course there is nothing to stop you from cranking up the tunes and swinging round your living room whenever the fancy takes you, but dancing tends to be a shared pursuit. (Yes, we have to play nice at dance time kids! Sharing is caring... IT WILL BE FUN!) Spending time with good friends can stimulate the mind and protect against mental decline. Being part of a group, team or community is one of the keys to a happy life, bringing emotional support and a sense of purpose. To get the most out of social dancing, go for regular group classes aimed at your level of ability, where you'll meet up with the same like-minded dancers each week.
SO SIGN UP TODAY.... I recommend the Fred Astaire Dance Studios and the Des Moines Ballroom ... but I am sure there are many other studios in your local range as well.
I hope this long.... long.... Really flipping long ... blog has convinced you that dancing is fun and healthy. Dance is saving my life one step at a time... at least, I think that's what its doing. The doctors are way smarter than the sleep deprived fine arts college student; Hence, the research.
Okay... well... I have to catch my bus and get to the art store and the hardware store, get all of my art supplies, and be back by 3 so that I can help cook dinner at the Homeless Shelter tonight!
Which means, I-am-going-to-rush-out-of-my-room-right-now! <3
-R
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