According to researchers at the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, dancing is the perfect exercise to reduce anxiety, improve physical health and emotional well-being, and feed the brain.
Dancing activates the release of hormones that feed the brain, including:
• Dopamine—The “reward” hormone that is released when we experience pleasure
• Oxytocin—The “connection” hormone that is released when we are in contact with people
• Serotonin—The “well-being” hormone that stabilizes our mood and feelings of happiness
• Endorphin—The “pain-relief” hormone that is triggered by the discomfort of exercise
Studies have found that dancing also lowers the risk for death from cardiovascular disease, reduces the risk of dementia, and counteracts age-related decline.
So, in the words of iconic dancer, teacher, and choreographer Martha Graham, “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.”