by Adriana Carr, MPA
Senior Center Director
Arlington County Department of Parks & Recreation
“There are short cuts to happiness and dancing is one of them” – Vicki Baum.
It’s time to start talking about dancing. Why? Well so many of us work with participants
who are crazy about dancing. Most of all, because it’s fun and being
ambassadors of fun is one of the many hats we wear. If you’re looking to add extra pizazz to your
programming, consider more dance.
According to a Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute
Letter, dance is one of those activities that exercises both the brain and body. Learning new steps or patterns activates the
neurons and moving to music moves your body.
There are also the benefits that are gained from listening to music when exercising.
For those of you who love the science of things,
dancing improves motor function, memory, spatial recognition and increases
endorphin levels. Dance is also utilized
as a way to treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s
disease. On the social and big picture
side, a whole group of people moving to music, smiling and having a great time
is always a wonderful sight to see.
Scheduling any type of partner dance program always
brings with it the challenge of one gender outnumbering the other. That’s why line
dancing is a perfect choice.
No partner necessary! The music
that accompanies a line dance can be as varied as the choreography. Country western, Motown or popular dance music are all good
choices. The complexity of the dance can
also vary according to the level of the people doing the dances. The most important thing is that everyone can
dance.
Of course, there are some sticky details to
consider. I have on one occasion or two
blindly set up a line dance event only to be flummoxed by the different
definitions of dance levels. To me a
beginner dance is for someone who barely knows their right foot from their
left. That’s not quite right
apparently. There are several levels:
beginner, beginner-beginner, just
getting started beginner, dance newbie (different from beginner-beginner) and
new beginner. I gave up before I could
even get to the next level! That’s where
having a season line dance teacher comes in handy. They tell you what level, steps and music are
involved.
After all that, I still believe that if you want to improve
your fun credentials, you can’t go wrong with including several line dance
programs. You might even want to
organize a line dance party! Speaking of
parties, we’re still hoping to coordinate a state-wide line dance event. What line dance levels does your center
offer? What’s the most popular types of music?
Let us know.
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