If you're reading this post, you spend some time online. And if you've spent any time online over the past week, you have probably seen the following massively played video.
While I've enjoyed Dancing Matt Harding's joyful, international dance-travel just because it's magical, I've discovered another compelling reason why he is a revolutionary of inspiration. One of today's posts on the Well blog from the New York Times mentions studies which tie dancing to increased brain functioning and healing. An excerpt:
...A telling 2003 New England Journal of Medicine report showed a lower risk for dementia among people over 75 who regularly danced during leisure time. But what was so surprising about the report is that other types of physical exercise didn’t affect dementia risk — dancing was the only physical activity that made a difference.
Other studies have shown music plays an important role in depression. Dance therapy has been used to relieve anxiety about taking tests, and researchers are studying the tango to help patients with Parkinson’s. Dance therapy has been shown to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients as well...
I've joked in past posts that I use my writing music mixes for "my pre-writing dance session". Now I see a connection between these fun, solitary dance sessions giving my brain power a boost and, possibly, improving my writing.
So, in honor of inspiring dancer Matt and dancers/writers worldwide, stand up, clear yourself a private dance floor, and improve your writing skills — by dancing. Enjoy.
