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Dancing

Why hitting the dance floor is worth a whirl

Dancing is fun, sociable, fantastic for all-over fitness and great for everyone, regardless of ability

Whether you’ve got two left feet or could give Strictly Come Dancing contestants a run for their money, there’s never been a better time to start dancing.

If you’re already a fan of moving your body to music, keep at it. Just because you’ve been diagnosed with dementia there’s no reason why you should stop doing what you love. In fact, research shows that dance of any kind is extremely beneficial for people living with dementia. And if you don’t dance, now’s a really good time to consider giving it a whirl.

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Why dance?

Whether you like ballroom or ballet, salsa or swing, the combination of music and movement is almost magical in terms of the positive effects dance has on the brain and body. And these benefits are especially beneficial if you’re living with dementia.

Here are some of the benefits of dancing:

  • It gets you moving and keeps you fit

  • It’s sociable and really good fun

  • Feeling a sense of improvement gives you a buzz

  • It develops communication skills and helps memory

  • Improves co-ordination and balance

  • Boosts creativity and helps with expression

  • Helps with problem solving skills and supports brain health, especially planning skills

How to start dancing

Dancing is one of the most accessible forms of exercise going. To get started you really don’t need to do anything special. You can have a boogie in your kitchen – just add music and start – go slowly if you haven’t exercised or danced for a while and check with your GP first if you have any health conditions or concerns. You can even start seated and build up your strength and flexibility by adding very light hand weights – and why not ask a friend to join in the fun?

If you’re not sure where to begin with a group dance class, why not try a few in your area? There are seated dance lessons, dance groups specifically for those living with dementia and all styles of dance class available, plus many other types of dance and movement groups going on nationwide. You can search for one in your area here

Eventually you might want to invest in a particular style of dance shoe or outfit, but to get started all you need is enthusiasm… and music.

Find a dance class near you here and read more from the Alzheimer’s Society on why people living with dementia find dancing to be so beneficial here

 

Sources:

https://scottishballet.co.uk/move-with-us/dance-classes/time-to-dance/

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/alzheimers-and-exercise.html

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/dementia-support/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dancing-Through-Dementia-How-Movement-Aids-Memory-and-Mood.aspx#:~:text=It%20can%20also%20increase%20a,%2C%20agitation%2C%20and%20depressive%20symptoms.