By Janet Boyce, Resident
In the Fine Arts, dance is one of the key elements of performance.
ere are many different forms of dance: ballet, jazz, tap,
acrobatics, line dancing, lyrical, and contemporary, to name some.
Dance can make a difference in your life. It is a primary way to let
your body express itself and it's a game-changer for maintaining
and improving mental acuity and ability. Learning specific steps
with your feet, and certain movements with your hands and
arms, causes your brain to focus and categorize the various skills
required of your body. is kind of concentration is better than
doing crossword puzzles. If you're lucky enough to do a dance
performance for an audience, that's even better!
ere are many benefits from dance for people with Parkinson's,
Multiple Sclerosis, brain injury, dementia, or Alzheimer's.
Dance can boost brain health, and help manage symptoms of
neuro-cognitive and movement disorders. Since dance requires
engagement of various parts of the brain at the same time, neural
connections across different regions become strengthened. is
happens during activities that target balance, coordination,
flexibility, creativity, and memory work of choreography for a
dance routine. In addition, the combination of adding music to
movement can li your mood, and relieve any stress.
As for myself, I have danced off and on for most of my life. It's
like doing exercise without the typical, boring repetition. Dance
is about befriending the body, and discovering your mind-body
connection. Since you feel creative while dancing, it brings joyful
moments to your life.
My favorite forms of dance are Tap and Jazz. Tap, in particular,
can be very detailed and intricate with the step combinations.
You have to learn patterns, thinking both symmetrically and
asymmetrically within the step sequences. Whereas Tap focuses
more on footwork, Jazz is all about whole body attitude and
expression. Line Dancing is fun, and a great way to start. Whatever
you choose, get out there and move your body! You can even do
this in the privacy of your home.
SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2024 11
The Beauty & Benefits of Dance
