Mind-Body-Salsa

Dancing has always been an integral part of my life. In fact, I can’t imagine my life without some form of dance or movement to help keep me balanced. Dancing has the ability to transform my mood, alter my consciousness, and improve how I feel physically while also giving me an outlet for stress reduction and self-expression. Western medical research also shows there are incredible health benefits to one of my favorite dance styles, salsa dancing!

According to studies by the Mayo Clinic, salsa dancing has been found to increase energy, strength, muscle tone and coordination while decreasing stress. Additionally, salsa dancing may help with weight loss, cardiovascular health and concentration.

As a social dance, salsa also allows for a sense of community, and may decrease feelings of loneliness and depression. The New England Journal of Medicine touts dancing in general for its benefits in stimulating the brain and having a positive effect on memory and decreasing the risk for some aging health concerns like dementia.

Dance has been used in many societies, over centuries, to express personal stories, cultural legacies and to celebrate life. Knowing the remarkable health benefits in addition to enjoying the rhythm of music and dance, it makes it an easy choice to select dancing as a tool for every day stress reduction. To choose a style that’s right for you, try taking a local community class at your city’s Adult Recreation Center. Bring a friend who enjoys a similar style to your own and find a community of other people to meet. Above all, let loose, have fun and know you’re getting the top health benefits from dancing the night away!

In Health and Salsa,

Lori

For more information on the health benefits of dancing read on:

Article from WebMD on dancing your way to better health:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/dancing-your-way-to-better-health

Article on health benefits of dancing according to specific dance styles:

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/11/02/the-health-benefits-of-dancing----including-specific-benefits-of-different-dances.htm

Salsa Dance Classes Locally:

Bay Area Salsa! If you are in the Bay Area, try my favorite Salsa dance instructor, Tomaj Trenda, and his classes for beginning or intermediate students. He is also hosting a night of Salsa dancing, including lessons and a live Salsa band. Come enjoy a friendly community of dancers: Saturday, June 11th in the East Bay starting at 8pm at the Orinda Masonic Hall. $15 discount tickets available online now.

Visit www.salsawithtomaj.com for more information on ongoing classes and this special event.