Ballroom Dancing is more than just a fun way to enjoy fitness and social interaction.
For some, it provides an escape from disability and disease.
Children with autism struggle with basic social interactions. Yet Ballroom Dancing for kids with this and other disabilities has been shown to “develop social and communication skills as well as more fluid and coordinated movements . . . . . a sense of self awareness as well as self esteem.” ~ Victoria Marin, mother of Aiden and author of Aiden’s Waltz.
Several years ago, Alzheimers NSW Australia approached Dancesport NSW to provide a teacher for some new social dancing classes catering for people with Alzheimers. Their members (and carers) were encouraged to participate in Ballroom Dancing – many had advanced dementia and showed very little capacity for remembering details from their past. Yet once the music played and the basic variations shown, they were able to remember how to Waltz, Foxtrot and Jive and move with ease that had eluded them for so long. The Accredited Coach provided by DSNSW said it was the most rewarding job she’d ever done and the carers remarked on the amazing transformation of those in their care!
A correlation between Ballroom Dancing and brain development also exists: “Ballroom dancing, an activity with both physical and mental demands has had a higher impact on cognitive functioning over exercise or mental tasks alone, indicating that the best brain health workouts involve those that integrate different parts of the brain such as coordination, rhythm, and strategy.” Read more on: http://www.positscience.com/brain-resources/everyday-brain-fitness/physical-exercise
So why not start Ballroom Dancing in Sydney at Byrnes Dance Image!