Dance your way to better health

Twisting the night away according to recent academic research supported by scientific evidence provides more than simple pleasure of dancing.

Researchers claim dancing helps to improve both psychological and physical health prompting the city of Montreal (Canada), alongside Les Grande Ballets Canadiens to establish the world’s first dance therapy center.

Therapy will involve a variety of creative exercises and props to stimulate body, senses and emotions. For the many that already enjoy dancing the added benefits are a bonus and hopefully will encourage more people to put on their dancing shoes and dance their way to a healthier lifestyle.

“Today we know that it’s (dancing) also good for the brain,” said Dr. Louis Bherer, scientific director of the PERFORM Centre, a clinical research facility at Concordia University for promoting better health.

Another reason to dance or learn to dance is longevity. Women who on average dance more than men live 5 to 10 years longer. Among people, over 100 years of age 85% are women, according to Tom Perls, founder of the New England Centenarian Study.