My friend Alex once defined dance as "the expression of those emotions for which we lack vocabulary." He also said that we all dance, in our own ways.

Physical dance, however, is not only a form of expression, it can be part of the solution to a multitude of issues. Dance can alleviate symtoms of depression, anxiety and stress. It can improve agility, balance, gait, and decrease the incidence of falls. Dance can also improve Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) risk factors, cardiorespiratory health, and cholesterol levels. It can also decrease the pain and stiffness associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). *

Dance can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Dancing is typically a social event whether you go to a studio to take lessons, or to a fitness center to take a class, you are with other people interacting. This can be a great way to make friends and have a laugh. Increases in socialization and fun both contribute to combat depression, anxiety and stress.

Dance can improve agility, balance and gait thereby decreasing incidence of falls
Scientific research supports the use of dance based fitness as a way for people to improve balance, stability and gait. These affect walking speed and step length, especially in older adults who may have shorter step length due to a fear of falling. Improvement in each of these areas of locomotion contribute significantly to a decreased risk of falling.

Dance can improve CHD risk factors, cardiorespiratory health and cholesterol levels.
Dancing is a great way to get an aerobic workout and to build muscle mass keeping both your heart, lungs and body dtrong. You also burn calories and body fat, which in turn can improve cholesterol. Dancing has been proven to be more effective than walking programs at improving these factors.

Dance can decrease pain and stiffness associated with RA.
A number of scientific studies support dance as a form of exercise for those whpo suffer from RA. Research shows improvements in fatigue, tension, pain and stiffness in those who partici[ate in dance based fitness programs on a regular basis without aggravationg any other symptoms of RA.

What most studies have found is that participants of dance programs really enjoy themselves while dancing. Which traslates into people having fun while doing exercise! Hard to believe right? Since participants enjoy their dance sesisons they tend to do it often. More exercise equals more results, faster.
Dance can be enjoyed at any age, by all people of all fitness levels. To ensure success just be sure to pick a dance class that's best for you and your level of fitness. Don't be afraid to ask if you can watch a class before committing to participating in it.
The most important thing to remember with dance is to have fun. You'll learn the steps and the form, that will come in time - but, first and foremost, enjoy yourself, laugh at yourself if you make a mistake and let your light shine and be free to express thos emotions for which you can't find words.

* Gemma Hughes is an Exercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer, Master Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.