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Why Dancing Is Amazing For You (part two) e physical benets: Stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis: Dance is a form of weight- bearing exercise, which is the gold standard of exercise when it comes to improving bone mass. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, high-impact, weight-bearing exercises, such as certain forms of DANCE, can help maintain bone strength and even build new bone mass. This slows the development and progression of osteoporosis. The cognitive (brain-boosting) benefits of dance Trouble concentrating? Brain Fog? DANCE can be just the mental pick-me-up- and-fling-me-around-the-room you need. Boosts learning, memory, and all-around brain power: Feeling mentally stuck or indecisive? Shake it out! Other research suggests that DANCE can help create new connections between brain regions involved in long-term memory, and executive function (and you thought the "Macarena" made you lose brain cells). And some doctors have even recommended DANCE and dance style workouts to assist in recovery after brain injury. May reduce dementia risk: Dance can help ward off more serious memory problems, too. This may be especially true for dancing in a group or with a partner. One study found that out of 11 different types of exercise (including dance, swimming, golf, cycling, tennis, and others) DANCE was the only one associated with a lower risk of dementia for people in the study. e emotional (feel-good) benets of dance: Time to twerk out that pent-up stress! Yes, it's scientifically possible. Better mood + less stress: In a 2015 examining people's motivation for dancing, "mood enhancement" ranked top on the list. This could be because dance is expressive and allows you to escape or let loose in a way that's usually out-of-bounds in adulthood. Various studies also suggest that dance therapy might reduce depression and psychological stress in people who have serious illnesses, such as breast cancer or Parkinson's, as well as in students. Research from 2014 also found that DANCE may help your body crank out feel good endorphins (more than other forms of exercise) and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to all around good vibes. Gives you a chance to socialize : DANCE classes and dance style workouts often take place in groups, which allows for social bonding in a really fun, light and breezy environment. Boosts self-esteem: Jumping on a treadmill or elliptical can be great exercise, but also involves running/walking on the spot ad infinitum. With DANCE, you're getting a workout and mastering a new skill. This can be incredibly rewarding and improve confidence. Research suggests that any form of exercise can boost self-esteem (and we'd never discourage you from finding what's best for you). But there's just something about mastering new choreography or pulling off a new move that makes you feel ultra-ready to take on the world. So come DANCE with us… it's so much fun and beneficial too! Written by Gloria Lipitz 14 | OHCC LIVING | OCTOBER 2024 | Ocean Hills Dance Troupe Village Squares A Square Dance Mystery Square dancers know Yellow Rock means to hug the person who is your "corner," and Stack the Wood is to hug your partner. Over the years, I have asked long time square dancers and many callers how the terms originated, and no one has been able to explain how they began. So, I decided to put the question to artificial intelligence and thought you would be amused at their imaginative and highly improbable answer. I reprint from ChatGPT: The terms "yellow rock" and "stack the wood" have their origins deeply embedded in the rich history of square dancing, a traditional American folk dance with roots that can be traced to European and English country dances. In square dancing, the caller, who directs the movements of the dancers, often uses colorful and imaginative language to convey instructions. The term "yellow rock" likely emerged as a descriptive phrase to denote a dance move, possibly involving a rocking or swaying motion. Similarly, "stack the wood" might have originated as a metaphorical command for dancers to arrange themselves in a particular formation resembling the stacking of wood. Over time, these terms have become integral components of square dance vocabulary, contributing to the unique and lively nature of this beloved folk dance. Moral? Don't believe everything you read. Submitted by Valerie ompson and ChatGPT