Dance Yourself to Health

Strictly come dancing was an overwhelmingly popular show. The dancing, the costumes, the transformation of the participants from having no skill to becoming expert dancers was mesmerising to watch.

I first came into dancing a while ago because of the exercise it offered but realised there was so much more to it than that. As a dancing enthusiast now, particularly in Salsa and Argentine Tango, I love what it has to offer: it’s interesting, fun, musical, sociable, gets you fit and helps you to look and feel good about yourself.

I always think that life is a bit like a dance, making your way through the world is like getting to know the steps; it’s like a real-time performance. One of the things that social (or partner) dancing provides is human contact but more than that it requires you to engage with the person you dance with, to be open, receptive and communicative. If you cannot communicate then the dance falls apart and as in life so do relationships, projects and strategies fail.

Coaching dancers is becoming an increasing part of my work to give them the necessary outcomes they desire; the high energy, confidence, to be healthy and well to help them shine on the dance floor. Dancers very much focus on the performance, on the outcome, but do it gracefully learning from the hurdles they meet along the way. It is a continuous process of learning and development.

The benefits that dancing can offer are more than just physical exercise. It also helps the mind and emotions. Sometimes we are so inside ourselves with our constant thoughts, feelings and mind talk that we forget to engage with life. We become self absorbed and let things slip. Dancing engages you, drawing you out of yourself to share with others.

Motivation is key to regular fitness as well as enjoying your exercise. If you’re not enjoying what you are doing then the likelihood of you maintaining it is going to dwindle. I believe that we need to regularly try new things to keep our interest and motivation high. If since Christmas your health and fitness programme is starting to drop then a quick re-evaluation may be necessary to get back on track and taking a dance class may just spark you into action again.

 

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and runs clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Darlington and Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine, writes and speaks extensively on the subject. She can be contacted on 01325 722803 or www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana is a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.

 

< BACK TO MAIN ARTICLES PAGE