After several years of settling into our new community, we thought we were pretty much acquainted with all its unique culture and customs. Well, one day when a senior’s group we are involved with mentioned that they were going to have a beginning line dance class, it sounded like fun, so we signed up. As it turned out, it was a ton of fun – but way different than I imagined it would be. My experience with line dancing has been limited to the Western music genres. I was quite surprised when the dance instructor began to play the first song. It was an incredibly catchy R&B/Hip Hop song called ‘The Cupid Shuffle’.
Dance, dance, dance
‘The Cupid Shuffle’ was written and performed back in 2007 by a singer named Bryson Bernard, who goes by the stage name Cupid. One of the best things about this dance is that folks of all ages can participate. It’s fun and easy to learn. When the Cupid Shuffle comes on, the dance floor fills up.
My mom and dad, who met at a dance hall, loved to dance. Line dancing reminds me of the square dancing my parents enjoyed as I was growing up. They always brought us kids along, and I remember being fascinated by all the various songs and steps that the ‘caller’ would sing out.
Another type of music and dancing we have been enjoying since moving east is Jazz. About once a month, the gymnasium of an AME church gets transformed into Jazz At The Willow with a live band, fabulous food, friendly folks, and during the intermission, line dancing. In the fall, they held a Harlem Nights Jazz event where we got all dressed in our Roaring 20s attire.
Dancing into a Lower Risk of Dementia
I have explored the benefits of dancing before, but as research continues to confirm the value of dancing, I thought it was time to revisit it. In a previous article, “Do you hear the music? Dance” I cited a study by the New England Journal of Medicine. The biggest surprise of the study was that the social interaction of dancing lowered the seniors’ risk of dementia by a staggering 76%. Wow! Sorta makes you want to do the happy dance.
Our Brains on Dancing
The overall advantages we receive from dancing are well documented, but I thought it would also be helpful to break down the various aspects of dancing that is helpful.
Dancing Lowers Dementia Risk when we…
- Move our bodies. Matching our movements to the rhythm of the music helps us in maintaining balance. Even if we need to be sitting in a chair while we dance we can still benefit.
- Step in certain patterns. It is good for our brains to remember dance steps. It’s even better if we continually learn new steps or do a freestyle dance.
- When we are aware of our surroundings. Dancing requires us to be cognizant of who or what is around us, so we don’t bump into each other.
- Listen to music. Certain songs carry emotional memories. They can transport us back in time as we hear familiar music.
- Have social interaction with others. Whether we dance with a partner or alone, being among others, chatting, dancing, and singing along with the songs all add up to a positive benefit for our brains
Even someone with dementia can still benefit from dancing. I recently came across a wonderful trailer for an inspiring project, “Dancer Not Dementia: a short film” by Filmmaker Anthony Grani, presented by Canada’s National Ballet School. It “Celebrates the creativity, joy, playfulness, community, and connection of dancers living with dementia and their carers.”
In light of all this, what can I say but, “Keep dancing – turns out it is really, really good for your brain.” Cha cha cha…
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “FinishingWell: Finding the Joy in Dementia”, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey. Find our group on Facebook
The multifaceted benefits of dancing is a good reminder for all of us.