We’ve all heard about the traditional ways of improving your memory – sleep well, eat a healthy diet, and get organized. Well, what about improving your memory through dance? The complex coordination that comes with learning a new dance can greatly improve your memory and overall health.
Memory
You’ve probably heard the term “in one ear and out the other” a dozen times before. Maybe someone gave you directions or told you their name and you instantly forgot. As found by a study done by researchers at the University of Iowa, we don’t remember things we hear nearly as well as things we see or touch when it comes to memory. Researchers also found that “the brain may process auditory information differently than visual and tactile information, and alternative strategies—such as increased mental repetition—may be needed when trying to improve memory.” That’s where dance lessons can help.
Whether you’re doing private or group dance lessons, their repetitive nature stimulates your brain and helps with long-term memory. Dance activates your procedural memory, also known as implicit memory, which is a type of long-term memory involved in the performance of different actions and skills. This happens as repeated signals reinforce synapses in your brain, which link nerve cells and send signals throughout the body.
As you move your feet to the count of four or sway your hips to the beat, this all becomes ingrained in your muscle memory, similar to how you pick up a pen and immediately know how to write. While the amount of time it takes to learn a new dance varies based on your experience and how complicated the dance is, you can make a lot of improvement in as little as three lessons. By regularly attending dance lessons and practicing you can go from a beginner to proficient dancer in two to six months.
Health Benefits
Dance has also been proven to decrease health risks associated with memory. A 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine which looked at the effects of eleven different types of movement found that dance was the one activity that significantly lowered participants’ risk of acquiring dementia. A small study at North Dakota’s Minot State University also found that dances like Zumba improve mood, visual recognition, and decision-making. Additional benefits include improved coordination, stronger bones, and improved condition of your heart and lungs.
Get Started With World Champion Productions
Ready to improve your memory? At World Champion Productions, we offer private and group dance lessons such as ballroom dance and salsa. Our staff of full-time dance teachers are extensively trained and come from various backgrounds, from sports and dance-related activities to classical dance and theatre.
No matter you level of experience or style of dance, we’ll find the right instructor you. We can’t wait for you to join us!
Ready to get moving? Contact us today to learn more about our private and group dance lessons.