Table of ContentsIntroductionWhat are the benefits of dancing?ConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionDancing is great exercise and is suitable for everyone. Everyone can enjoy dancing, regardless of race, age, build, shape and size. This can be done alone, in a group, or with a partner. Dance integrates several brain functions at once – kinesthetic, rational, musical and emotional – further increasing neural connectivity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Dancing is known as a great way to stay physically fit, as Mr. Underwood said. But very few people know the mental and cognitive benefits. So how does dance improve brain health? 'Dr. Joseph Coyle, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, said that…. the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain are very elastic, meaning they “rewire” themselves after each use. Yes, dancing can help in the rewiring process. So the main benefits of dancing are discussed in this essay. What are the benefits of dancing? One of the greatest benefits of dance is that it stimulates a child's imagination and nurtures individual creativity in a unique way. This simply means that it will give the child the opportunity to learn movements that nourish the body and focus the mind. Most people know that exercise is good for the body, but many don't know that it is also good for the brain. Engaging in any physical activity like dancing boosts brain power and improves learning ability. How so? Research has shown that exercise improves cognitive abilities and memory by improving synaptic, vascular and structural plasticity, making the brain more adaptive; modulatory neurotransmitters; and promote the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus (a brain center that facilitates memory and learning). Recently, a study conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine reported that dancing can be a powerful way to improve brain health. The results showed that while exercise is good for a person's overall health, a single exercise has the greatest impact on improving overall cognitive skills, namely dancing. Recent studies also show that increased physical activity leads to better academic performance. In a study by Shepard and colleagues (1984), they concluded that providing more opportunities for increased physical activity (by reducing class time) led to increased test scores. A reduction of 240 minutes per week in lesson time for academics to allow for increased physical activity led to consistently higher math scores. Symons, et. al (1997), on the other hand, found that intense physical activity programs have positive effects on academic achievement, including increased concentration; better results on math, reading and writing tests; and reduction of disruptive behavior. Academic achievement improves even when physical education reduces the time spent studying. Jensen (1998) proved that aerobic conditioning could help improve memory. Exercise can strengthen particular areas of the brain, and the supply of oxygen during exercise can improve connections between neurons. Neuroscientists have discovered the strong connection between exercise and cognitive functions. In order to continue neurogenesis or the production of new neurons in the brain, allmovement more complicated than walking must be learned by students. These complicated movements will challenge the brain, building the parts of the brain that organize metal and physical activity. Experts recommend that children in school participate in at least an hour of physical activity each day, as it improves memory, concentration and processing speed. The more complicated the movements, the better the connections produced. Physical activity has the power to transform the mind as well as the body and is linked to increased test scores not only in math and English but as well as in other subjects. This is demonstrated in different studies carried out with standardized tests used as instruments. Everyone will agree that learning is optimal in a conducive and very relaxed environment. The human body produces its natural relaxant called endorphin. One of the body's painkillers is endorphin, an opioid (morphine-like) chemical produced by the body that serves to suppress pain. Endorphins are made in the brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of the body. They are released in response to neurotransmitters and bind to certain neuronal receptors (the same ones that bind to opiate medications). These neurotransmitters are used to transmit electrical signals within the nervous system. There are at least 20 different endorphins with benefits and possible uses that researchers are currently investigating. Endorphins also act as analgesics, i.e. by reducing the perception of pain, and as sedatives. Chemically, endorphins are peptides (chains of amino acids shorter than proteins) and they are quickly inactivated by enzymes called peptidases. Endorphins have been shown to control feelings of stress and frustration (www.road-to-health.com). A Mayo Clinic staff member says one way to control stress in your life is to engage in physical activity. So, being active can boost feel-good endorphins and distract a person from everyday worries. So what is the connection between endorphin and exercise or physical activity? Physical activity helps increase the production of feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, which could have a direct effect on the teaching and learning process, as it helps create an environment conducive to learning. Yes, the brain is ready to learn because its state is stable. Additionally, it helps improve happiness and mood, which often allows the person to have a better outlook on life. Stress can be relieved and self-esteem can be boosted. And, due to its increased production during physical activity, users will experience a sedative effect and may sleep better. Studies have shown that endorphins are released 30 minutes after engaging in physical activity. Conclusion Besides the cognitive and mental benefits of dancing, it is also a great way to meet other people. As a social activity, studies have shown that strong social bonds and socializing with friends contribute to high self-esteem and a positive attitude, thereby increasing self-confidence and developing social skills that contribute to a general feeling of well-being. : This is just a sample.Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayWith all these mental and social benefits of dancing, it is good that the Ministry of Education has included the dance teaching in its program. In addition, some LGUs organize Zumba sessions for, 37(2), 145-162.