Previously, we looked at the myth of ballroom dancing as a frivolous activity, something that benefits you on such a fundamental level that we usually dismiss it as being non-essential. The truth is, we’ve been taught to dismiss general knowledge - we want to be specialized in something. And yet, as you improve and develop in ballroom dance, there’s virtually no area of your life that won’t improve.
We’ve already learned how ballroom dancing can have important uses for both the board room and the squash court. This time, we’ll expand into two new areas ballroom dancing can help you excel: on a date, and staying healthy in your senior years.
On a Date
Improved memory: Remembering little details about your beau is an important way of demonstrating to them how much they mean to you. And ballroom dancing is constantly training your memory - for steps, for technique, for choreography, and musicality. The faster you can recall information, the faster you put a smile on the face of your teacher, your dance partner, or your better half.
Coordination: Being a klutz is not attractive. We tend to be drawn to someone who can slide through a crowded room without knocking glasses off trays, because it demonstrates their potential as a healthy mate. Dancing helps build this spatial awareness, so you can weave between couples and waitresses with ease.
Rhythm: Anyone who can keep a beat is automatically sexier then someone who cannot, because it suggests they can move with their partner if a romantic song calls for it. And of course, one can’t help but wonder where else a strong rhythmic movement might come in handy…
In Your Senior Years
Greater mobility: Studies show that as we get older, our strength tends to decrease, and our joints start to loose their flexibility. This isn’t just the inevitability of age however - much of it comes from living an increasing sedentary lifestyle. By countering that with exercise and a wide range of movement, ballroom dancing keeps you flexible and limber far longer then most.
Decreased neurodegenerative symptoms: Dancing has been overwhelmingly linked to decreased symptoms of Dementia over other activities like crossword puzzles and swimming. Frequent dancers create increased connections in their brains, which then take longer to decay due to diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Whether you’re eight or eighty, dancing keeps you sharp!
Higher quality of life: By it’s very social nature, ballroom dancing can’t help but keep you involved with and enjoying life. It provides an opportunity to meet new people with similar interests. It keeps you happy and healthy, through a fun form of exercise. And it reminds you that no matter how much you’ve seen and done, there’s always more room to grow.
So often, we feel we don’t have time to take care of everything we want to fix in our lives - whether it’s an angry spouse, late deadlines, or not making the basketball team this year. Maybe it’s time we embraced an activity that simplifies things, by benefiting us in all these areas at once. Because if we’re not taking the time to grow and enjoy life now, when will we?