(EMDP) and YouGov showed that nearly half of all those

polled went to dance classes to ‘have fun’ and a large proportion of people enjoyed attending classes with people they knew.

As we know, physical activity releases endorphins – the ‘happy’ hormone – and for some time now, the positive link between exercise and mood has been clear.

Studies in both Germany and at the University of New England found that dance lowers levels of stress hormones and significantly lowers levels of depression (6). Social interaction, shared experience and the self-confidence that dance can bring all contribute to improved self-esteem. So being active with other people, in a dance class environment for example can really help to fight depression.

Dance-based fitness is predicted to grow in the future as more and more dance ‘crazes’ sweep the world. In a survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine, dance workouts were listed at number nine in the top 10 worldwide fitness trends for 2012 – a list determined by 2,620 fitness professionals across the globe (7).

As the fitness industry evolves and people start to look for new and innovative ways to work out, exercise, movement and dance teachers have a real opportunity to bring something exciting into the market. There are 5,900 fitness facilities in the UK, and we have a fitness industry worth £3.86 billion – so there is

really no limit for dance-based fitness. You can expect to see a lot more from the sector in the future.

References 1. According to the Central Council for Physical Recreation, dance is a popular activity for 5 million participants, or 10 percent of the UK population. l Over 4.8 million people participate in community dance each year (Foundation for Community Dance). http://spxj.nl/MrQxgJ 2. Dance is the fastest growing art form, with over 13% of the population now attending dance performances. (Arts Council England) http://spxj.nl/MrQxgJ 3. BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing semi-final results show on Sunday had 10.9 million viewers. http://spxj.nl/LNWEWH 4. Recent studies indicate that dance may be an effective alternative to traditional exercise for addressing these areas of concern to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. http://spxj.nl/QeCq0e 5. This pilot study explored the role of dance in maintaining and developing relationships between people with dementia and, between people with dementia and those who care for and support them. http://spxj.nl/ PHaEDH. Risk of Development of Dementia According to the Frequency of Participation in Individual Leisure Activities at Base Line. (Table 2). Dancing was the only physical activity associated with a lower risk of dementia. http://spxj.nl/QeEbe5. 6. In a German study of music and partner dancing, participants showed lower levels of stress hormones after dancing. Participants in a study at the University of New England spent six weeks learning to tango. At the end of the period they had significantly lower levels of depression than a control group and similar results to a third group who took meditation lessons. http://spxj.nl/P0F8TR 7. A poll of 2,600 fitness professionals for the American College of Sports Medicine were asked to identify what they felt the top fitness trends for 2012 would be. They ranked Zumba and other dance-based fitness classes 9th in a list of 20 points. http://spxj.nl/MiG7fm

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ONLINE TO EARN CPD POINTS Please log in to the members’ area of the REPs website to give your answers

Q1 Q2

Q3

How many people regularly take part in dance activities in their communities? Is it: a) 6 million b) 5 million c) 4 million

By what percentage did the New England Journal of Medicine report the chances of developing dementia fell by taking ballroom dancing classes? Was it: a) 76 per cent b) 66 per cent c) 56 per cent

What percentage of people attending a dance class reported having fun during the sessions? Was it: a) 60 per cent b) 50 per cent c) 40 per cent

THE AUTHOR

Sam Boniface has danced since an early age, performing and choreographing before going on to teach. She holds a level 3 Certificate in

Teaching Exercise, Movement and Dance to Adults and – as a qualified journalist too – writes on behalf of the Exercise, Movement and Dance Partnership (EMDP).Contributions for this article also came from Margaret Peggie OBE, MA in Dance Studies, Vice President of the Fitness League. For more information on exercise, movement and dance visit the EMDP website: www.emdp.org

14 The REPs Journal 2012;25(September):12-14 The REPS Journal 2009;00(Month):00-00