When you dance the activitiy involves memory, synchronizing coordinated movement with sound, visual spatial
skills, attention, creativity, social interaction, mood, and emotions. It is something you can do by yourself or
with others. The activity changes
constantly with the music, partners, or even atmosphere. The basis of dance is rhythm, but it is first
and foremost a stimulating mental activity that connects mind to body. You can dance solo or you can dance with a
partner, or in a group. Whether you improvise your movements or follow a choreographed plan, dance involves several other sensations which your brain simply craves.
If dancing does not appeal to you there are other forms
of human movement that have dance-like characteristics that work the brain. These include martial arts, gymnastics, tai
chi, cheerleading, figure skating, synchronized swimming, yoga, couples yoga,
marching bands, color guard, and many other forms of athletics.
o Dance requires co-ordination, flexibility, and motor
control.
o There is challenge in learning new techniques, new
moves, and applying those skills to different music.
o There is challenge in improvising or creating new moves.
o Dance involves an alternation of moves from left to
right, forward and backward, rise and fall or bilateral symmetry.
o Dance increases awareness of where all parts of the body
are in space.
o Dance focuses attention on eyes, ears and touch as tools
to assist in movement and balance.
o Dance usually involves a repertoire of coordinated
moves.
o Dance can be theatrical, cultural, or social.
o Choreography in dance requires creativity, memorization,
and concentration.
o Dance requires time-keeping.
o Even without over-stimulation, dance requires a level of body fitness and breathing
techniques.
o Dance involves creativity, along with an understanding
of music and dance techniques to interpret and respond with appropriate moves.
o Dance can have strict rules or be open to personal
interpretation.
o Dance can tell a story when the dancer responds to the
music with a combination of mime, mood and graceful movement.
o Skills are tested with each dancing partner.
o Dancing with a partner or group requires a blend of leadership and cooperation.
o Skills are tested with different tempos, genres, of
music.
o Anyone can add dance-like movements to an athletic endeavour, exercise routine, or household chores. Who says you can't dance to music with a broom or while you vacuum or rake leaves.
o Anyone can add a new dimension to dance-like movements through improvisation.
Dancing is an enjoyable and personally significant activity which stirs positive emotions, leads to laughter, and enhances human companionship which combine as extraordinarily effective in boosting brain power.
However, remember that your brain benefits from any kind of change or
challenge. You can excite your senses
and challenge your brain by altering just one thing within your within your
environment, while performing your daily routine. Walk more briskly than you normally do, stop for one minute to observe a scene or converse and laugh. Even changing a painting
on your wall adds variety to your normal routine while energizing your brain. Even the act of deciding what to alter and
how you will do it kindles excitement for you brain.
