Advantages from Top to Bottom

In the realm of physical activities, dance stands out as more than just an entertaining pastime. Recent research suggests that dance offers numerous benefits, comparable to those associated with traditional exercise combined with cognitive training.

Julie Lépine, a country dance teacher, has observed firsthand the impact of dance on her students' health. During a typical four-hour dance evening, Lépine takes between 20,000 and 30,000 steps, indicating a significant physical workout.

The benefits of dance extend beyond physical fitness. According to Louis Bherer, a professor at the Department of Medicine at the University of Montreal, dance is a highly effective way to combat stress and can lead to cognitive improvements. Bherer's research has shown dance can have positive effects on memory, attention, depression, and anxiety.

Flavie Gaudreau-Majeau, a doctoral student in neuropsychology at UdeM, echoes Bherer's sentiments. Gaudreau-Majeau's thesis compares the benefits of dance with those of physical exercise combined with cognitive training. She believes that mental training from dance can help prevent a decline in cerebral capacities.

One aspect that sets dance apart from traditional exercise is the cognitive demands it places on the brain. Repetitive workouts at the gym may not require as much brain activity as line dancing, which demands attention to details and instructions, and heavily relies on memory to learn and remember choreography.

Gaudreau-Majeau has also found evidence supporting the benefits of dance for elderly individuals with dementia. In a study on chair dance, she observed improvements in the sense of anticipation and organizational capacities of participants over sessions.

Social interaction is another benefit of dance, according to Bherer. Dance provides an opportunity for individuals to connect and engage with others, which is crucial for healthy aging. Furthermore, Bherer notes that dance brings a sense of pleasure, encouraging continued practice for maximum benefits.

Line dancing, in particular, engages the brain as much as it does the body. This makes it a potential alternative to traditional physical exercise for the elderly, according to Gaudreau-Majeau. In fact, regular dance practice has been shown to reduce the overall level of cortisol in the blood, counteracting the harmful effects of elevated cortisol levels, such as weakening the immune system and cardiovascular problems.

Annie Yergeau, a dance teacher at CEGEP de Drummondville, has adapted a training on the benefits of chair dance for elderly people with dementia to offer in Quebec. This adaptation allows the elderly to reap the benefits of dance while accommodating their unique needs.

In conclusion, dance offers a multitude of benefits, from physical fitness to cognitive improvements and social interaction. Whether it's line dancing or chair dance, dance provides a fun and engaging way to boost overall health and well-being.