Be it zumba, aerobics or contemporary forms, dance fitness is popular these days. Dancing provides an avenue to get fit both physically and mentally. Along with the various obvious rewards, dance fitness facilitates the formation of social connections and bonds during the sessions.
Being social is inherent to human nature as it is linked to our evolutionary journey. Dance fitness brings people together, fostering a positive social environment that provides its own set of positives – behaviourally, psychosocially and physiologically.
Dance fitness’ positive persona
Dance fitness combines two elements that are universally adored and enjoyed – music and movement – in an engaging and highly social setting. Sneha Rameshan, a psychologist based in Abu Dhabi, says the biggest reward of dance fitness is the joy people have when they interact with others.
“Once you grow older and become busy with nine-to-five jobs and a hectic lifestyle, the chances of meeting new people reduces,” says Rameshan. “But when you join fitness groups, you will meet a lot of people from various age groups and ethnicities.”
Gradually, the positivity will permeate into your personal life.
“I have seen people who arrive at the session with a sad face and leave with a bright smile,” says Arunima Gupta, a licensed Zumba instructor and co-founder of The Floor, a dance and fitness studio in Kochi, Kerala. “Be it financial, health-wise or family-related, people have different issues on their minds. Getting on the dance floor and dancing with a group of like-minded people has a visibly positive effect on people.”
Dance fitness to overcome social awkwardness
Dance fitness can be a successful tool for overcoming social awkwardness, shyness and even social anxiety. It creates a supportive and inclusive extended family built around dancing and fitness. In sessions, the participants are not only engaging in physical activity, but are also getting immersed in a supportive social environment that encourages camaraderie.
“As you interact with the same group of people every day, after a few days, the group naturally feels like a family,” says Gupta. “We fondly label it as our fitness family. There is no room for judgments on where you are coming from and who you are, instead as a group we enjoy the moment.”
Dance fitness creates a sense of community where everyone is driven to move outside their comfort zones through shared experiences, group interactions and the common objective of better fitness. Participants build social ties and support systems as they get to know people who have similar interests. This helps them get over their shyness.
Self-expression through dance fitness
The fitness group, eventually and invariably, transforms into a safe and non-judgmental space where people can explore their creativity. They overcome their body image issues and start expressing themselves confidently.
“We do not assess people based on their physical characteristics,” says Gupta. “A well-built individual might not be a great dancer. They gradually learn the moves with the support of the group. On the other hand, when someone who is overweight makes a brilliant move, it encourages others. By appreciating and inspiring one another, dance fitness gives an environment for people to express themselves through movement.”
Rameshan struggled with social anxiety when she first joined dance fitness. A judgement-free environment boosted her confidence.
“At first, I was not sure if my movements were perfect or if I was a terrible dancer,” recalls Rameshan. “I stood behind and made sure nobody noticed me in the session. But as the days and months went by, I gained self-confidence and my social anxiety subsided. Later, I started performing in the front row.”
Dance and community development
The theory, Hierarchy of Needs, proposed by renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow, outlines the basic human needs that influence behaviour. According to the theory, following the satisfaction of the need for social connection, people seek recognition, deference and a positive self-image.
“Dance fitness and community development help increase the self-esteem of an individual,” says Rameshan. “According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, for a person to attain self-actualisation, they need to develop self-esteem. An individual needs appreciation from others to develop self-esteem because this will satisfy them and make them feel valued as an individual, eventually increasing self-worth.”
Takeaways
- Along with the many health benefits, dance fitness offers social rewards by bringing people together and developing a positive social environment.
- It helps overcome shyness by providing a non-judgmental atmosphere for dancing.
- Dance fitness enables self-expression and increases self-esteem with encouragement from the dance community, or fitness family rather, you are a part of.
