This month we celebrate Women with Mother’s Day In Mind. We acknowledge the different people who take on the role of a ‘Mother’ and look at how dance is accessible and can appeal to everyone. Looking at how women have been leading dance developments throughout the world for 6000 years. An appreciation of the significant role it plays within our society. Bringing people together from different generations, exploring the breadth of dance styles we have at our finger tips and, the enjoyment and happiness it can create.
In Part One we looked at traditional female dances from around the world. Explored some historical features and begun to unravel why this really is something that everyone can love in one way or another. You can read it here.
In Part Two we explore more inclusive traditions. Showcasing how those with disabilities and LTHC’s can enjoy dance, alongside some Strictly Magic and Dancing on Ice sensations that have quite literally got everyone engaged in this all inclusive past time.
Recognising that even just bopping around in the kitchen can have a significant effect on Mental Health and Physical Well-Being. Plus we look at the Psychological benefits of watching dance.*
Whether you prefer to cosy up on the sofa and turn on the latest dance, pick your way through the huge amount of online content or venture out to your local gym or dance academy there is truly something magical about dance. So many styles to select from, the music, the slow and the graceful, the fast and frenetic, the choreographed and the improvised. Baggy joggers to beautiful sequinned dresses. Let’s look at the benefits of dance that we can enjoy and where to begin!
The Benefits Of Dance on Our Health
Dancing can be a great way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits. The Better Health Group site a number of benefits including:
improved function your heart and lungs
increased aerobic fitness
improved muscle tone and strength
weight management
stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
better coordination, agility and flexibility
improved balance
increased self esteem
improved general and psychological wellbeing
greater self-confidence and self-esteem
This fantastic site has everything you need to learn about dances and find something that you love. They cover;
Health Benefits
Getting Started
Types of Dance
Choosing a Dance Style
General Tips for Dancing
Where to get help &
Things to remember
It’s Never Too Late!
Ballet At The Age of 62 is a great article from The Guardian, written by Paula Cocozza and featuring 62 year old Tina Leverton. She talks of her love of dance and dreams she had of becoming a ballerina as a child, taking her daughter for classes and how she continued to draw the pointe shoes she eventually planned to buy at her grand age of 62 and, the reality of being able to draw those ones instead! Proof that dance is inclusive to all ages, shapes and sizes. Being a ballerina doesn’t mean long leg lines and beautiful posture, although you could argue that would help, but here you can see the true value of dance from a different perspective. One that Leverton considers to be ‘therapy’.
Finding The Right Dance For You
With so much choice it can be difficult to know where to start. The options that are available at all levels in actual classes and also online are enormous. Remember it doesn’t matter if you sit, stand or lay down, there’s always a way to dance. Some great places to start are;
Making Dance Inclusive
If you are an exercise instructor or dance teacher the following sites can help you make your sessions more accessible to those with LTHC’s & Disabilities;
The Emotional Effects of Watching Dance
In order to get benefits from dance, we don’t have to get up and learning. The psychological impact of dance can produce happy emotions and memories. The positive release of endorphins.
Although there is limited research, this report by The British Psychological Society reports on the way in which ballet has been shown to produce positive emotions and the ability to provoke visual imagery. (https://digest.bps.org.uk/2016/06/22/a-preliminary-psychology-of-how-were-moved-by-watching-dance/)
Dance & It’s Role In Todays Society
Celebrity Dance Studio suggested that:
‘Dance is a form of art, and just like all forms of art, it can convey a message. Many of the messages that are expressed can be inspiring. Inspirational messages can uplift a community or society as a whole. For example – a choreographer can create a dance about overcoming an illness which can resonate with and be encouraging for an observer who is going through similar troubles’.
They continue with;
‘Dance can also be inspirational because it can showcase people of various abilities and circumstances’.(http://celebritydancestudio.com/new-blog/2018/1/5/how-dancing-benefits-society)
The Power Of TV & Dance Combined
Strictly Come Dancing has been gracing our screens for years. Demonstrating the traditional dances you would expect, but gradually adding ones that are less of a tradition but add so much more dimension and addition of dancing opportunities. Whats obvious is the diverse range of people taking part in the show but also the demographic of those who tune in to watch and follow in their millions. A nation swept away, a break from the norm and a common interest.
For some this will be simply entertainment, for some an inspirational tool to accessing dance classes and, to others perhaps something that helps to pass the time. However, the range of contestants who fall in love with the dance is an incredible feat. We follow their journeys, we learn from the judges comments, we watch in amazement and the couples float and spin around the room in a Vienesse Waltz, we laugh at the joy of a Charlston and marvel at the kick, flicks and intensity of an Argentine Tango. A dance that dates back to the 1920s and performed by two men.
The combination of live classical music and the pure beauty and story telling of a traditional Waltz, can sweep us away from reality for 1min 30 secs. (Makes up some of that 30 minutes of self care we are supposed to adhere too!) Bringing generations together with the combination of traditional dance and the inclusion of commercial, hip hop and contemporary the show attracts views from people from all walks of life.
Perhaps one of the most talked about image from the 2021 show was the beautiful and powerful moment where we entered the world of the deaf community. The striking contrast of inspiration, emotion, real life and more importantly inclusion, accessibility and breath taking dance ability. The power to provoke incredible emotions. Brought to us by the winners Actor Rose-Ayling-Ellis and professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. Read about the winning success on The Strictly Come Dancing Blog page. Something incredible about this partnership was the way in which Pernice was able to connect with Ayling-Ellis, how she felt the music through the floor and her body. An openness to start conversations, to learn simple signs and to be aware of challenges faced. The moment their hands met and the music stopped made our hearts miss beat.The impact sensational.
The fact that the final consisted of the shows first deaf dancer, two professionals, gay men and two men dancing together (John Whaite & Johannes Radebe) highlights just how much of an impact these incredible people have had through dance in so many ways, shown not just by their talents but also by the messages they are sending out and the public support they have received.
The Show Comes To An End - Or Does It?
No sooner does Strictly Leave our screens, then give us a Christmas ‘filler’ before we switch channels as Dancing on Ice brings in yet another perspective to dance. The combination of the need to be able to skate, to dance and to act, led by Olympic Ice Dance Champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean with yet another set of diverse skaters and TV audience. Here we have seen Paralympian’s in Libby Clegg and Steff Reid, Clegg blind and Reid sporting an incredible prosthetic blade to enable her to move over the ice. Once again the clever choreography of their professional partners and the coaching team, allowing them to participate fully in an able bodied competition.
If you’re missing you’re Strictly Magic or Shining Ice then hop onto the websites to relive your favourite moments until the new programmes rolls around. Or you could consider going to watch the live tour!
Summary
So we reach the end! But hopefully this is not the end for you. We hope that you can take away something from this that you find beneficial and has relevance to you.
*It is worth remembering that what we convey is helpful to us but at other times it’s not. However, we include it because everyones journey is different and feel that to dispose of it all would be a waste and, a dis-service to our readers.
The All Important Links
The Benefits of Dance - Better Health Channel
The Guardian - I Took Up Ballet Aged 62
Finding The Right Dance For You
Community Dance
Inclusive Dance Organisations
Euans Guide
Inclusive Dance - Para Dance
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Disability Arts International - How To Deliver Accessible Dance Workshops Online
Emotional Benefits of Watching Dance
How Dance Can Benefit Society
Strictly Come Dancing - Blog Page
Strictly Come Dancing - Main Page
Dancing On Ice - ITV Hub Page