Itaktak Mo! - Dancing and the Brain

By Jared Pacheco

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Dance is marketed in the media as something that will help you lose weight or will make your body healthy and fit. Sure, those are true, but we should look at the other side of the coin—how it affects the brain!

When we watch movies centered on the elderly we always see them do either of these two things: a) dancing with the staff in homes for the aged; or b) Zumba in the middle of the park wearing colorful retro outfits. When the younger generation sees them, we usually just cringe. However, if we actually analyze what dancing does to the brain, then we will realize that the elderly doing their practices should be supported. In this blog, I am going to talk about the scientific pieces of evidence that back up the claim that dancing improves the brain. This will progress under three (3) layers: a) Stimulating Movement; b) Movement as Therapy; and c) Complementary Moves.

So first—Stimulating Movement! Throughout the entire history, dance was merely seen as a means for entertainment. With palace jesters and clowns in the middle of amusement during the olden times, it was only recently when researchers and scientists actually analyzed the positive impacts of dance. It was in 2008 when a neuroscientist from Columbia University confirmed how the synchronicity of music and dance stimulates the reward system of our body, creating pleasure. I can go into the specifics of the parts of the brain that are stimulated and exercised by dancing, but that would not be necessary. One thing is clear, however, the stimulation of the brain—including its exercise, its activation, and its improved functioning—is vital in ensuring that the brain is healthy. Dancing also bolsters the memory, making sure that the processes that make you remember events or memories are strengthened. Another aspect we can look at is how dancing can strengthen the neuronal connections in our brain. Applied to this is how dementia in the elderly can be prevented through dancing. That research in 2003 compared dancing to several other sports and forms of exercise, with dancing being the only practice that can lessen the risk of dementia. Furthermore, a 2012 study determined how dancing can improve visual cognition and decision-making skills, reducing stress, increasing serotonin levels—a hormone that makes you happy. In conclusion, the stimulation the dance can bring expounds further to the different functions of the brain, which then develops how we function and think.

Secondly—Movement as Therapy! Cancer is a disease that can easily affect anyone; however two diseases pose greater harm for elderly: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. But let me focus on Parkinson’s today. In layman’s terms, Parkinson’s is a disease that affects the component of the brain that controls movement and motor-skills. Where does dance come up in all of these? The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation confirmed how dance can act as a rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS). Because those with the disease can mimic the movements, aided by the rhythmic cues—they dance to a song even with limited motor skills!

Lastly—Complimentary Moves! If you have watched Karate Kid, you would have seen Jackie Chan doing Tai Chi. At first, it may only seem like a CHinese tradition or something for the martial arts. However, an assistant professor at Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital has performed clinical trials that prove how Tai Chi is a complementary/alternative medicine practice that helps patients with balance disorders. Balance is imperative for us, humans, to be able to function properly. Tai Chi’s movements mainly focus on keeping one’s stability. It may be a traditional ritual for self-defense, but a 2012 study has proven its medical benefits.

The brain is vital for us to properly live. Well, to be fair, without the brain, nothing in our body will work. Dance factors in great opportunities for the brain to revitalize and rewire. This is to ensure that every function of the brain is operating properly. The stimulation of the brain, along with the movements that follow after create dance as a whole. Therefore, the patterns and routines, the combinations and choreographies all become part of improving the brain, and subsequently all the cognitive abilities that follow suit.