International Dance Day

“People reflect each other constantly, but when they dance, perhaps what they reflect most is that moment of honesty.” - Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Dancer & Choreographer Dance is an art form that has been around for centuries & over time, it has evolved into a popular form of fitness and wellness. Apart from being an art form, dance is also extremely beneficial for overall health because it is said that 30 minutes of dance class is equivalent to a jogging session. (WebMD 2022 report) Every year 29th of April is observed as International Dance Day in memory of Jean- Georges Noverre, the father of modern ballet. It is also marked as the day to celebrate dance & recognize dance as a form of art across the globe. As more people become aware of the physical and mental benefits of dance, it has become an increasingly popular form of exercise & overall wellness. Dance is a great way to improve physical fitness. It can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles & improve flexibility & balance. Aside from its physical benefits, dance is also beneficial for mental health. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety & depression by releasing endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers. Dancing also helps to improve cognitive function, coordination & memory, making it an excellent exercise for both the mind & body. The popularity of dance as a fitness and wellness activity has increased in recent years. Many gyms and fitness centres offer dance classes & dance-based workouts have become increasingly popular. Dance also offers a sense of community & social interaction, allowing people to connect with others who share their interests & passion for dance. Corporates can tie up with Wellness Programmers & include dance in their list of activities as follows:- 1. Companies can encourage dance classes: invite mentors & practitioners for in person or online sessions. This would help in building team spirit, rapport formation and fun! 2. Alternatively, employees can also be enrolled in programmes where they can dance at home, in their own time & energy by following online tutorials or dance videos. 3. Companies can incorporate Zumba, Aerobics, Salsa, Jazz, Bachata or other forms of classes for their employees as a part of regular wellness programs. The key is to find a dance style that you enjoy & that suits your fitness level, allowing you to stay motivated & engaged. It is also highly beneficial for corporate employees as it is fun to incorporate fitness into one’s life without the need for a designated space or equipment. It is a fun & creative way to stay fit, healthy & reduce stress. Incorporating dance into your daily routine can help you stay motivated, engaged & feel good holistically. So put on your dancing shoes & start dancing your way to wellness !