Dance benefits

Calories

Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. During a half-hour of dancing you can burn between 200 and 400 calories. One factor that determines how many calories you'll expend is the distance you travel. We've found it is quite possible for a dancer to cover more than a mile at a brisk pace in a single evening of dancing.

Cardiovascular Conditioning

Regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile. Experts typically recommend 30 - 40 minutes of continuous activity three or four times a week. Dancing may not provide all the conditioning you need, but it can help. The degree of cardiovascular conditioning depends on how vigorously you dance, how long you dance continuously, and how regularly you do it.

Strong Bones

The side to side movements of many dances strengthens your weight bearing bones, the tibia, fibula, and femur, and can help prevent or slow loss of bone mass from osteoporosis.

Sociability

Dancing contains a social component that solitary fitness endeavors don't. It gives you an opportunity to develop strong social ties which contribute to self-esteem and a positive outlook.