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8 Reasons Dancing Is Good for Your Body and Mind

Dancing plays a major role in culture, social events, and hobbies — as well as your health.

Lauren Smith, MAAlexandra Schwarz, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on October 31, 2024

Learn more here about how dance's aerobic benefits can help you reach various fitness goals, like better balance and an improved mood.

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References

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 studyBritish Journal of Sports Medicine.

American Dance Therapy Association. (n.d.). What is dance/movement therapy?

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Douka, S., et al. (2019). Traditional dance improves the physical fitness and well-being of the elderlyFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience.

Ferguson, Y. L., et al. (2012). Trying to be happier really can work: Two experimental studiesThe 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 womenJournal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 

Hwang, P. W., et al. (2015). The effectiveness of dance interventions to improve older adults' health: A systematic literature reviewAlternative 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-analysesFrontiers in Psychology

Koch, S., et al. (2019). Effects of dance movement therapy and dance on health-related psychological outcomes. a meta-analysis updateFrontiers 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 mortalityAmerican 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 reviewJournal of Cognitive Enhancement

Rodrigues-Krause, J., et al. (2016). Effects of dance interventions on cardiovascular risk with ageing: Systematic review and meta-analysisComplementary Therapies in Medicine

Ruiz-Muelle, A. (2019). Dance for people with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic reviewCurrent 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-efficacyJournal 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 studyBMC Women's Health

Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderlyNew England Journal of Medicine

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