Learn more here about how dance's aerobic benefits can help you reach various fitness goals, like better balance and an improved mood.
Alricsson, M., et al. (2004). The effect of pre-season dance training on physical indices and back pain in elite cross-country skiers: A prospective controlled intervention study. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
American Dance Therapy Association. (n.d.). What is dance/movement therapy?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). How to measure physical activity intensity.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Adult activity: an overview.
Douka, S., et al. (2019). Traditional dance improves the physical fitness and well-being of the elderly. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.
Ferguson, Y. L., et al. (2012). Trying to be happier really can work: Two experimental studies. The Journal of Positive Psychology.
Gallo, L. H., et al. (2019). Effects of virtual dance exercise on skeletal muscle architecture and function of community dwelling older women. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions.
Hwang, P. W., et al. (2015). The effectiveness of dance interventions to improve older adults' health: A systematic literature review. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
Karkou, V., et al. (2019). Effectiveness of dance movement therapy in the treatment of adults with depression: A systematic review with meta-analyses. Frontiers in Psychology.
Koch, S., et al. (2019). Effects of dance movement therapy and dance on health-related psychological outcomes. a meta-analysis update. Frontiers in Psychology.
Lakes, K. D., et al. (2016). Dancer perceptions of the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits of modern styles of partnered dancing. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
Maraz, A., et al. (2015). Why do you dance? Development of the dance motivation inventory (DMI). PLoS One.
Merom, D., et al. (2016). Dancing participation and cardiovascular disease mortality. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. (2023). Exercise for your bone health.
OrthoInfo. (2020). Cross training. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
OrthoInfo. (2020). Exercise and bone health. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Predovan, D., et al. (2018). Effects of dancing on cognition in healthy older adults: A systematic review. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement.
Rodrigues-Krause, J., et al. (2016). Effects of dance interventions on cardiovascular risk with ageing: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
Ruiz-Muelle, A. (2019). Dance for people with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. Current Alzheimer Research.
Staiano, A. E., et al. (2017). Twelve weeks of dance exergaming in overweight and obese adolescent girls: Transfer effects on physical activity, screen time, and self-efficacy. Journal of Sport and Health Science.
Sun, J., et al. (2022). The beneficial effects of square dance on musculoskeletal system in early postmenopausal Chinese women: A cross-sectional study. BMC Women's Health.
Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine.