As I walked through the city crowd during the Adelaide Fringe Festival, I couldn't help but notice the twirls and spins of people dancing to the beat of their own drum. There was something so captivating about the way they moved, the way they surrendered to the rhythm, and the way they connected with themselves and others. It got me thinking, why do so many adults yearn to dance, and miss dancing in their soul?
The emotional and spiritual benefits of dance
Perhaps it's the fact that an adult dance class is not just a physical activity, but an emotional and spiritual one as well. It allows us to connect to ourselves and others in a way that words simply can't express. Whether it's the graceful movements of ballet, the fluidity of contemporary dance, the sharp precision of jazz dance, or the rhythmic beats of tap dance, each style brings its own unique benefits to the table.
For starters, adult dance classes can help you find focus, calmness, centredness and mindfulness. According to a study published in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, dance classes can improve mindfulness and body awareness in adults, leading to a greater sense of wellbeing and reduced stress levels. By focusing on the movements of your body and the rhythm of the music, you can clear your mind of any distractions and find a sense of peace and serenity.
Improving overall wellbeing with adult dance classes
Furthermore, dance classes can also improve your overall wellbeing. A study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine found that dancing can improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility and strength, and even boost your mood. It's a fun and engaging way to stay active and healthy, without feeling like you're hitting the gym. But here at Dragonfly Dance, we already knew that. So many of our dancers tell me how much they prefer dancing to going to the gym.
Finding joy and happiness through dance
But perhaps the biggest benefit of adult dance classes is that they bring joy and help you find your happy place. As we grow older and take on more responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of the things that once brought us joy and happiness. Dancing allows us to tap into our inner child, to let go of our inhibitions, and to simply enjoy the moment.
Don't let age be a barrier: adult dance classes for everyone
So if you're feeling the itch to dance, don't let age be a barrier. There are plenty of adult dance classes available, no matter your level of experience or skill. Whether you're a beginner looking to try something new, or a seasoned dancer looking to improve your technique, there's a class out there for you. So put on your dancing shoes, find your rhythm, and let the music take you away.
If you live in Adelaide, South Australia, we'd love to see you in our beautiful and spacious studio. Check out our timetable of over 30 classes a week, and book a class, or join our waiting list to join at our next intake.
References
Kattenstroth, J. C., Kolankowska, I., Kalisch, T., & Dinse, H. R. (2013). Superior sensory, motor, and cognitive performance in elderly individuals with multi-year dancing activities. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 5, 1-11. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2013.00010.
Koch, S. C., & Fuchs, T. (2011). Embodied arts therapies. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Verghese, J., Lipton, R. B., Katz, M. J., Hall, C. B., Derby, C. A., Kuslansky, G., & Buschke, H. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508-2516. doi:10.1056/nejmoa022252.
Wang, C. Y., Chao, T. T., Tsai, C. L., & Tseng, Y. T. (2019). Effects of dance movement therapy on reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress and improving body image and quality of life in women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dance Medicine and Science.