On Sunday 2 March, Let’s Dance is encouraging everyone in the UK to embrace dance as a way to improve their health, connect with others, and have fun. Founded by Angela Rippon CBE, the campaign is about inspiring people of all ages to embrace the joy of dancing its health and wellbeing benefits.
Whether you’re 8 or 80, a complete beginner, or a lifelong dancer, Let’s Dance is about making movement joyful, accessible, and inclusive. Dance gets your heart pumping and is great exercise for your body, but it’s also proven to improve mental health, and wellbeing.
Here in Lincolnshire, there are lots of taster sessions and events going on around the campaign, as well as lots of classes, sessions groups to get involved with throughout the rest of the year.
Whether you want to get moving to the energetic beats of Zumba, or the lively steps of Lindy Hop, or needs something more gentle but still uplifting such as seated exercise to music class, there’s lots to enjoy across the county.
Take a look at our blog article to find out more about the benefits of dance, and why you should give it a try.
Why try Dance – the Benefits of Getting Moving to Music
Physical Benefits
Dance workouts, such as Zumba and dance fitness classes, offer a fun and engaging way to stay active. These high-energy sessions provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, helping to strengthen the heart, improve endurance, and burn calories. Many people find dance fitness more enjoyable than traditional gym workouts, making it easier to stick to a regular exercise routine.
Dancing also enhances flexibility, coordination, and balance. Styles like salsa and Lindy Hop involve quick footwork and fluid movements, which improve muscle control and agility.
Dance can help you develop greater strength and flexibility, reducing risk or injury and improving your posture.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Beyond its physical advantages, dance is also highly beneficial for mental health. Moving to music releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which help to reduce stress and anxiety. Engaging in dance can also improve cognitive function, as learning new steps and routines stimulates memory and concentration.
There is also something powerful and transformative about letting go through movement. Expressing yourself to music is a great for regulating stress. If learning a routine isn’t your thing, why not try a Dance Free session. These sessions offer guided movement and free-movement, accompanied by a specially curated music journey delivered via wireless headsets. They take place in nature, so you can enjoy the additional mental health benefits of being outside in scenic Lincolnshire locations.
Creating Social Connections
Social dance styles like salsa and Ceroc and line dancing can help forge new friendships and make social connections, and there is something about dancing together as a group that gives a sense of joy.
No matter the style, dancing is a joyful and rewarding way to enhance both physical and mental health. Whether you’re grooving to upbeat rhythms in a Zumba class, perfecting your salsa steps, or swinging through a Ceroc routine, dance offers a fun and fulfilling path to wellbeing.
Dance for Health Conditions
The holistic benefits of dance mean that its great for people with particular health conditions. Combining movement with music, dance offers numerous benefits, including improved mobility, balance, coordination, and cognitive function.
For older adults and those with health conditions movement to movement classes and seated dance classes offer a gentler way to enjoy the benefits of moving to music.
For individuals with Parkinson’s, dance can help manage symptoms by enhancing movement control, reducing stiffness, and improving posture. Structured dance sessions encourage rhythmic movement, which can aid walking and overall coordination. Many people with Parkinson’s also find that dancing improves confidence and reduces anxiety, helping them feel more connected to their bodies and surroundings. Hub Dance team offer dance sessions for those living with Parkinson’s.
Similarly, for those with dementia, dance provides a meaningful way to engage socially, express emotions, and stimulate memory. Music and movement can trigger positive memories, reduce agitation, and enhance mood. Dance also fosters a sense of connection, whether through partner work, group activities, or simply moving to familiar songs.
Find Dance Sessions near you
If you’re feeling inspired search for ‘dance’ on our Activity Finder to discover sessions near you.