It Makes Me Feel Like …

When a friend asked us if we’d like to join an informal dance group, we immediately said ‘yes’.  We’ll be dancing to our favourite music from the 60’s, 70’s, possibly even the 80’s.  Whatever gets us moving freely.  As soon as Leaf and I hear Bob Marley, we’re away – irresistible!   We enjoy having a good bop and can manage a pretty messy jive, ballroom in any of its forms is beyond us.

THE LAST DISCO LEAF AND I WENT TO WAS IN AFRICA 2001 – IT WAS A GAS!

Dancing, of course, has a long and complex history. It comes naturally to most of us humans.   Even though there are some who say they can’t, I’ll bet they can clap their hands and tap their feet and it can lead on from there.

MORRIS DANCING ENDURES

Traditionally, it’s a universal expression of national identity.  Indigenous peoples celebrating their heritage on special occasions.  Virtually all countries with centuries of history behind them have a unique dance within their culture.  From wild tribal capers to formal and precise group arrangements.  Often the more lively dances are accompanied by whooping, clapping or song.   And to make it all the more spectacular, the dancers will probably wear national costume to go with their routines.

UKRAINIAN HOPAK DANCERS – WOW!

In the case of younger, more multicultural countries, immigrants have frequently brought their traditional folk dances with them and we can often spot the origins of the various styles.  Examples include Scottish reels in American barn dancing or the Spanish influence in some South American folk dancing routines.

Since the 1920’s, in the West, popular modern dancing has evolved through all sorts of fun forms and fashions with a variety of quirky names – the Black Bottom, the Mashed Potato, the Funky Chicken and now there are numerous hip-hop styles.  Well beyond the capabilities of the average person!

MORE WOW!

Whether we choose to join a free-form dancing group, a ballroom or folk club or simply to strut our stuff at local fêtes and functions, we will benefit hugely from letting go of our inhibitions and loosening up.  Especially those of us with dementia for whom there are also dance therapy groups.

Courtesy FRANCE ALZHEIMER’S CONTACT MAGAZINE

Many of us will enjoy listening to our favourite music purely for the pleasure but we might also find ourselves dancing along.   No matter how old or mentally disadvantaged, somehow our limbs will remember the steps and how we used to move in time.  We will soon find ourselves laughing with pleasure, even if we’re pretty stiff and ungainly.  It simply doesn’t matter.

MY MOTHER LOVED TO TANGO (not her by the way!)

Apart from re-activating dormant neural pathways or even creating new ones, thanks to neuroplasticity, dancing can benefit us in all sorts of other ways:

• it’s great for our range of movement, allowing our joints to move freely through all planes of motion
• we will burn calories and can lose weight if we want to shed those extra pounds
• dancing can keep us healthier by improving cardio-vascular fitness, strengthening our muscles, increasing circulation and decreasing blood pressure
• it helps relax us and reduces stress
• our co-ordination skills and timing will improve – particularly if dancing with a partner
• dancing lifts our spirits raising endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals in our brains
• joining a dance club or therapy group will bring us in contact with new people and we may make new friends
• it’s fun and fun can never be underestimated

LET’S DANCE

And in so many other ways, dance can enhance our lives, having an outstanding positive effect on our physical, neural and psychological well-being.  So let’s give ourselves some special time to get moving to the music.