Many peoples have traditional music to the rhythm of which they like to move their bodies. And this does not mean rhythmic movements, which often resemble a primitive dance on the volcano, but graceful folk dances that have become the characteristic symbol of the entire nation, such as bolero for the Spaniards, flamenco for the Andalusians, sirtaki for the Greeks, salsa for the Cubans and Puerto Ricans, tango for Argentines, etc. Some dance styles have now become so popular worldwide that they are played in tournaments more than sport. Essentially, learning to dance has many benefits - develops physical culture, builds social relationships, and is also a lot of fun for young and old.
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Sports activities such as running, cycling or weight training undoubtedly have a positive effect on the heart and circulation and promote fitness and mobility. Dancing unites these and brings things to a spiritual level through musical interaction. An hour a week is enough to keep your mind and body fit, they saidRUB researchers (Ruhr University Bochum) in a studyfirmly. The neuroscientists have developed a dance program specifically for seniors between the ages of 60 and 94. After half a year and just one hour, they were not only physically fitter than before, but their attention and cognitive skills had significantly improved.
The variety of movementsdifferent musicoffers the opportunity to live out dance expression. Dances differ in tempo, dynamics and speed, so everyone can choose according to their impulses and individual characteristics. Coordination, flexibility and quality of movement are trained and strengthened, and social sensitivity is also promoted. Dancing knows no boundaries and both children and adults of every age group can benefit from it.
This does not require great equipment like other leisure and sports activities. Good looks, graceful posture and elegance are required on the dance floor. Therefore, you have to feel good and radiate the same. To start with, a pair of comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or light heels, is sufficient. It's only worth investing in if you know the steps by heart and can move safely on the floorgood classic dance shoesto enter. It is always recommended to choose shoes with straps or laces instead of open pumps, which can easily slip out. And be careful, only those who can walk on their shoes can dance on them.
Many different folk dances have developed in different cultures and the number of people dancing together is crucial. In group and couple dances, the particular difficulty is to coordinate and harmonize with each other when it comes to dancing. From oneAlbert Einstein College intelligence researchof Medicine in New York, it is known that no other physical activity has such a positive effect on mental performance as regular dancing. If you dance with a partner, you have to react skillfully to their movements and at the same time synchronize your own with the rhythm. In order to achieve this, numerous cognitive processes are promoted, especially all decisions are made unconsciously. Leading, as well as being led, increases the number of decisions necessary in couple dancing. Therefore, dancing also makes you more intelligent.
The most popular and probably most attractive couple dances that you can learn in a dance class are the Latin American ones, which are primarily native to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Argentina and Spain. In big cities, Germans prefer to dance salsa, tango, merengue and mambo. The freestyle couple dances have the greatest effect on intelligence - Samba, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Jive, and Paso Doble. Depending on the situation, new movements are constantly acquired in the choreography, such as a twist or a lunge, and everything should be perfected in a fraction of a second. Despite the careful planning and countless exercises before a performance, it should look spontaneous and not as if it had been scripted.
Regardless of age, everyone canEnroll in a dance class. Dancing means more than just moving to the beat of the music. It liberates, inspires, it trains and educates, it combines body, mind and rhythm into one. Like the other arts, dance is a way of expressing feelings and passing them on. Learning to dance doesn't necessarily mean performing in front of a wide audience, so you need to focus on the fun of the movement.
*Image sources: CC0 Public Domain
