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DANCE MAKES YOU SMARTER
IT’S no surprise that dancing makes you feel good. Indeed it has been an important part of human culture for as far back as history. And there’s plenty of evidence it is great for physical health.
Now there are studies that show that it can make you smarter. A 21-year study of people 75 and older monitored rates of dementia by tracking mental acuity, and what cognitive and physical activities had an effect.
The results of the study, led by the Albert Einstein College of medicine, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
They studied cognitive activities such as reading books, writing for pleasure, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and playing musical instruments. Physical activities included playing tennis or golf, swimming, bicycling, dancing, walking for exercise and doing housework. Surprisingly, most of the physical activities did not appear to influence the onset of dementia.
Except one: frequent dancing.
■ Reading - 35% reduced risk of dementia
■ Bicycling and swimming - 0%
■ Doing crossword puzzles at least four days a week – 47%
■ Playing golf - 0%
■ Dancing frequently - 76%
One explanation is that dancing involves learning, which creates new connections in the brain.
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The brain is always reinventing itself and if it doesn’t need the parts that assist with learning, those bits weaken. Learning something new creates new neural pathways. It really is a case of use it or lose it.
The study didn’t go into why dancing was better than other activities, or whether certain types of dance were better than others. However it is thought that the fast decision making involved in certain types of dancing, and the way it encompasses other brain functions such as music and emotions, compared to the repetitive motions involved in some other activities, contributes to building brain power.
Practically, this could mean that if older people engage in traditional dance styles, then changing partners will require more thinking.
Or swap between leader and follower roles. The point to remember that it was frequent dancing that made the difference, so try to get out on the dance floor at least a few times a week.
FLIP AND FLY A CLASS ACT
ADRENALIN Aerial & Dance has two purpose built studios in Thurgoona. Studio owner Angela Jones offers classes in a caring and supportive environment. There is hip hop and contemporary classes, and fly gym classes for those wanting to fly, flip and stretch in the air, all whilst being supported by aerial hammocks. There is a dance class to suit all at Adrenalin, whether it's dance, fly, stretch or spin.
DANCE WITH CONFIDANCE
CONFIDANCE Academy was established in 2013, by principal, Paula Marshall, who today has 20 years teaching experience. She loves to pass on her knowledge of dance to her students. Catering for all dance styles including gymnastics, there is a class for tiny tots, juniors, boys only class, teens and adults, of all levels and abilities, and private lessons. Competition classes and dance exams are also available.
INSPIRING CREATIVITY AND TALENT
MURRAY Youth Performing Arts is traditionally a classical ballet school that follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus. Dancers learn dance technique through imaginary play, promoting creativity, confidence and teamwork. MYPA director, Mrs Libby Ellis said “We focus on safe dance practice. We cater for those who wish to undertake classical dance tuition, which provides the basis for all genres.”