Dancer perceptions of the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits of modern styles of partnered dancing

Abstract

Objective To study dancers’ perceptions of the physical, cognitive, affective, and social benefits of partnered dancing. Method 225 dancers (71% female) were recruited through a community ballroom dance center and completed an online survey designed to measure their perceptions of the physical, cognitive, affective, and social benefits of modern, partnered dance styles (swing, Lindy Hop, and ballroom dancing). Subgroups were formed for analyses. For one set of analyses, groups based on length of dance participation were formed: experienced (dancing for more than 2 years) or novice (dancing for less than a year) dancers. For another set of analyses, groups based on frequency of dance practice were formed: committed (dancing at least one or more times per week) or occasional (dancing two or fewer times per month). Results The majority of participants reported perceived benefits in physical fitness, cognition, affect, and social functioning. Experienced dancers reported significantly greater self-perceived physical, social, and cognitive benefits than novice dancers. Committed dancers were more likely than occasional dancers to report improvements in physical fitness, U = 6,942, z = 2.38, r = .16, p <.05. A Mann-Whitney test indicated that self-reported improvements in mood (i.e., feeling less depressed and more happy) were greater for women than for men, U = 3,945, z = −3.07, r = .20, p < .001. Length and frequency of dance participation significantly predicted perceived physical benefits [X2 (1,6) = 35.463, p <.001, R2 = .16] and social benefits [X2 (1,6) = 15.776, p <.05, R2 =.07], but not cognitive benefits. Conclusions Results suggest that participation in partnered dance styles is associated with perceived improvements in physical fitness, cognitive functioning, social functioning, mood, and self-confidence, and that perceived benefits may increase as individuals dance more frequently and over longer periods of time.

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“…A much discussed effect of dance is its power to increase well‐being, quality of life, and mood . However, in keeping with the framework outlined above, we propose that well‐being is a secondary effect of deeper biological effects caused by the functions of dance just as has been suggested for music (Fig.…”

Effects of Biodanza on Stress, Depression, and Sleep Quality in University Students

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Dancing and Parkinson&rsquo;s disease: updates on this creative approach to therapy

“…In individuals without PD, research has found that participation in partnered dance styles is associated with perceived cognitive, social, and emotional health benefits. 55 The combination of motor skill learning, Abbreviation: PEDro score, physiotherapy evidence database score. …”