Dance for the Heart
Everyone has busy lives which can make it hard for people to settle down, however people of all ages can benefit from dancing if they make time for it. Dancing has many benefits and can prevent people from being unhappy, providing a doorway into calming the mind and heart
“A regular whirl on the dance floor may even lower your odds of dying from heart disease.” (HHP)
We are all physical, mental, emotional and spiritual beings. Read below to learn the positive impact dancing can have on these various aspects of our being…..
Physical
1. Improves cardiovascular health
2. Improves balance and strength
3. Gentle on the body and encourages movement
Mental
Exercise for the brain
Boosts mental performance
Creates a happy mindset
Emotional
Eradicates Stress
Gets rid of negative feelings
Provides an instant mood lifting effect
Spiritual
Brings relief and comfort
Find a social connection
Controls stress and anxiety
Types of Dances
“Movement and dance are extremely expressive, which can allow you to escape and let loose , It’s this letting loose that helps improve your mental and emotional health by reducing stress, decreasing the symptoms of anxiety and depression and boosting your self esteem” (BOD)
Hula
A form of traditional dance from Hawaii that uses choreography and illustrates a story through song to help dancers lower their high blood pressure. “It’s kind of like riding a bicycle. Once you move that way, it comes back.” (HFHH)
Ballet
This graceful technical form of dancing can be practiced at any age. It is the beginning formation of any dancing. “Ballet will teach you proper body alignment.” (BOD)
It includes components such as:
● Core strength
● Strong footwork
● Spins and turns
● Balance
● Flexibility
Tap
Tap dancing uses the basis of music to create many layers of patterns of rhythm which makes this form unique. Using different songs creates additional layers of movement.
Belly Dance
This dance is available to all ages and uses the core, hips, arms, shoulders, and legs.
“The spiritual dance has no other purpose, no other aim than to elevate humankind beyond self-thought, to joy, to bliss, to realization and to peace. The sincere dancer is one of the best workers for universal harmony, and so for universal peace”
Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic dance has been around for a lifetime. Its roots come from shamanism and dancers used the rhythms and drumming to connect with their spiritual consciousness. Many religions have their own version of ecstatic dance.
Zen Zone has partnered with Ecstatic Dance OKC to help elevate participants' mood, fitness and sense of community. You can learn more about Ecstatic Dancing from Mind and Body Fitness Connections here, where you will find links to YouTube videos and literature, discussing our mission to grow a community of healthy people and to connect people with their heart.
The Zen Zone at Mind and Body Fitness also offers Movement Classes that help with body alignment and stress reduction, increasing both physical and mental strength.
If you’re interested in learning more about ways to nurture your spirit and achieve personal success, contact Gwyn Davis about getting started with a 1-on-1 Wellness Coaching program.
Book an Appointment with Gwyn Davis today at MBFC.
Lauren Curtis
Blog Writer
