HEALTH-OPTIMIZING P.E. (H.O.P.E.) 3 Furthermore, what is so special about dancing with someone you and, sometimes, at the workplace.
you and, sometimes, at the workplace. Some even try to dance in
Lesson 2: Dance and its Importance
What is dance?
is a performing art. It is described in many ways. It is when
people move to a musical rhythm. They may be alone, or in a
group. The dance may be an informal play, a part of a ritual, or a
part of a professional performance. There are many kinds of
dances, and every human society has its own dance
Dancing is not a sport, though it does have some athletic aspects.
Dance is an art. Some people dance to express their feelings and
emotions. Other people dance to feel better. Dance can be used to
tell a story. In some societies, dance goes with song as well as
music. People who want to learn to dance can go to dance schools.
It may take years of practice to become an experienced and flexible
dancer.
To plan a dance is called choreography, done by a
choreographer. Often this goes with music, and fits into a certain
style. Dances may be planned in detail, or they may be whatever
dancers feel like doing. However, most dancing does follow some
general style or pattern. One style is the couple dance, where
(usually) a man and a woman dance together. Other dances need
an ensemble, a group of people together to make it work.
Important Benefits of Dancing
What are the benefits of dancing? Is it an act you participate in just
to pass the time during the weekend or, possibly, a weeknight? Do
you dance so you can feel beautiful and graceful for a change, or
does it hold something of more value for you?
Why do you dance when the music gets into your soul? Why does
dancing sometimes make you laugh out loud or lean in close to
your dance partner?
love, or even dancing with a stranger? Why does your baby
experience much delight when you sway around the room to the
music? Why do you get excited and dance for joy?
What Purpose Does Dancing Serve?
Dancing provides many great benefits and, while it's not possible
to list them all, some of the greater benefits are listed below:
 Dancing allows one to express oneself.
 A sense of unity is found within the dance.
 Dancing provides physical/mental refreshment and
relaxation.
 Laughter and fun — dancing can provide a lot of
entertainment.
 Dancing is a form of exercise.
 Dancers find inspiration and motivation as they become
lost in the dance.
 Dancing allows professional dancers to form affiliations
Importance of Dancing
1. Dancing to Express Oneself
Conveying a Message
Dancing allows people to express how they feel at a given
moment.
Anyone observing a mother swaying around her house
with her baby tucked safely in her arms knows she is
experiencing a moment of intense love for her baby while
exercising a tender embrace while caught up in the dance.
When a couple is dancing to a slow song and they look
into each other’s eyes and smile, it's not difficult to realize they
feel strong emotions for each other, regardless of whether it's
love or lust.
People Can Dance Almost Anywhere, Anytime
People dance in many places — at nightclubs and
studios, at weddings and on the street. They dance at home
their vehicles, though it isn't something that would be
recommended
2. Dancing in Finding Unity
A Bond Created or Shared
People come together through dance. It provides
entertainment for people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.
They enjoy time spent together in a positive, upbeat
environment. They are energized and inspired by other
dancers in their midst.
The more adventurous dancers may try to emulate the
moves of others, which provides another sense of
entertainment and draws people together.
Strangers have the potential to become friends, while
families and friends bond more closely because of the positive
experiences they've shared on the dancefloor.
3. Dancing for Relaxation
Dancing helps bodies and minds relax as the music and
surroundings take people away from their anxiety and
frustration for a while.
Mentally, they unwind and have fun, sharing a laugh or
two. As their minds relax, their bodies follow. Their muscles
loosen up and tension and stress melt away
4. Dancing for Entertainment
The Joys of Dancing
A baby who giggles as his parents take turns dancing him
around the house provides a source of entertainment while
bringing a sense of joy and peace to the home.
On another note, when people are laughing and trying to
keep up with the moves involved in line-dancing, they are
being entertained. If they are new at line-dancing, they may be
providing entertainment for others. Their willingness to get on
the floor and join in with the others, regardless of whether they
embarrass themselves, says a lot. They have lots of energy,
spunk, and determination, and they are willing to prove it on
the dance floor.

5. Dancing for Exercise
Gain Strength and Endurance Through Dancing
Dancing is a great form of aerobic exercise since it works
many muscles in the body. Muscles become stretched,
conditioned, and toned while the heart rate increases,
pumping blood at a faster rate
As bodies feel the benefit of a workout during the cool-
down period, it's a good practice to have a few moments to
rest after dancing, especially if it was a fast dance.
Between dances, stretch out leg and arm muscles or, at
the very least, sit in a chair and totally relax while rolling the
neck slowly around, and then in a slow back and forth motion
to release tension which may have built up in the back of the
neck.
A great benefit of exercise is that afterward, there is often
an improvement in a person's disposition, so it's a win-win
situation all the way around.
6. Dancing for Inspiration
Sometimes watching other people dance provides a source of
inspiration to people who desire to learn other types of dance, or
wish to improve the techniques of the dances they know.
Sometimes the act of seeing a person dance ignites a fire
inside someone else
7. Dancing to Form Affiliations
Forming Affiliations
Professional dancers form affiliations. Some of these
people will be seen on stage as background dancers while a singer
or group is performing. Sometimes singers themselves dance as
part of their performances.
Sometimes a dancer may only be known in a limited number of
circles until someone in an audience pays close attention.
Overnight, or so it seems sometimes, a dancer goes from an
"unknown" to a "star."
activity reduces stress and tension, regular dancing gives an
overall sense of well-being.
Top 4 Health Benefits of Dance
1. Flexibility Why People Dance?
Flexibility is an important part of being healthy. Dance requires 1. It has been use in worship
a great amount of flexibility. Most dance classes begin with a warm- 2. It plays a role in courtship
up including several stretching exercises. Dancers must strive to 3. It serves as a form of acquaintance for man and woman
achieve full range of motion for all the major muscle groups. The 4. It is an expression of one’s feeling
greater the range of motion, the more muscles can flex and extend. 5. As in old times, it brings magical power to people
Most forms of dance require dancers to perform moves that require 6. It brings victory or somehow restores health to life
bending and stretching, so dancers naturally become more flexible 7. It serves to entertain others
by simply dancing. 8. It gives beauty and inspiration to others
9. It is use as whole-body workout
2. Strength
strength is defined as the ability of a muscle to exert a force
against resistance. Dancing builds strength by forcing the muscles
to resist against a dancer's own body weight. Many styles of dance,
including jazz and ballet, require jumping and leaping high into the
air. Jumping and leaping require tremendous strength of the major
leg muscles. Ballroom dancing builds strength. Consider the
muscle mass a male ballroom dancer develops by lifting his partner
above his head!
3. Endurance
Dance is physical exercise. Exercise increases endurance.
Endurance is the ability of muscles to work hard for increasingly
longer periods of time without fatigue. Regular dancing is great for
improving endurance, especially vigorous dancing such as line and
ballroom dancing. Elevating the heart rate can increase stamina.
Just as in any form of exercise, regular dancing will build endurance
4. Sense of Well-Being
Dancing is a social activity. Studies have shown that strong
social ties and socializing with friends contribute to high self-
esteem and a positive outlook. Dancing provides many
opportunities to meet other people. Joining a dance class can
increase self-confidence and build social skills. Because physical