What if I told you that ballroom dancing could help you make a better impression at a job interview? Or a better basketball or hockey player? Would you think I'm crazy?
The reality is ballroom dancing can do all these things, and so much more:
As I explain in this video, the benefits of ballroom dancing are not confined to the dance floor. It's all about the magic of cross-training.
Although cross-training refers to improving an athlete's performance, I would offer this expanded definition:
Cross-training (noun) - To engage in an activity other than the one's main activity, in order to increase overall performance in that activity.
In other words, ballroom dance will strengthen fundamental skills, like endurance, balance, dexterity, faster reflexes, memory, lateral thinking... The list goes on and on. These improved skills then help you in virtually every facet of your life.
Here's just a few examples I didn't cover in the video:
- Better co-ordination: Helps to reduce injury in jobs that involve heavy lifting or other physical activity.
- Faster reflexes: More likely to react in time if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
- Improved sense of rhythm: Allows you to better appreciate the nuances of good music.
- Greater flexibility: Able to remain limber and lean much later in life than a non-dancer.
- More in touch with emotions: Take more pleasure out of good moments... And spot earlier when something feels wrong.
The longer you've been dancing and actively learning, the more of these benefits you start noticing. So, how has dancing improved your life today?
Benefits of Dance, Part One: Physical
Benefits of Dance, Part Two: Mental
Benefits of Dance, Part Three: Personal Development
