IndexIntroductionWhat are the benefits of dancing?ConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionDancing is great exercise and is for everyone. Everyone can enjoy dancing regardless of race, age, build, shape and size. It can be done alone, practiced in a group or with a partner. Dance integrates several brain functions simultaneously – kinesthetic, rational, musical and emotional – further increasing neural connectivity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Dancing is known as an excellent way to stay physically fit, as Mr. Underwood said. But very few know its mental and cognitive benefits. So how does dancing improve brain health? 'Doctor. Joseph Coyle, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, said that…. the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain are very elastic, which means they 'rewire' themselves after each use.' Yes, dancing can help in the rewiring process. So the main benefits of dance are discussed in this essay. What are the benefits of dance? One of the greatest benefits of dance is that it stimulates a child's imagination and nurtures individual creativity in a unique way. This just means that it will give your child the opportunity to learn movements that nourish the body and focus on the mind. Most people know that exercise is good for the body, but many people are unaware that it is also good for the brain. Engaging in any physical activity like dancing increases brain power and improves learning ability. How come? Research has shown that exercise improves cognition and memory by enhancing synaptic, vascular, and structural plasticity, making the brain more positively adaptive; modulating neurotransmitters; and promoting the growth of new neurons within the hippocampus (a center of the brain that facilitates memory and learning). Recently, a study conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine reported that dance can be a powerful way to improve brain health. The result showed that while exercise is good for a person's overall health, only one exercise had the greatest impact when it came to improving overall cognitive abilities, such as dancing. Recent studies also show that greater physical activity leads to higher academic achievement. In a study conducted by Shepard and his colleagues (1984) they concluded that providing more opportunities for increased physical activity (by reducing classroom time) leads to increased test scores. A reduction of 240 minutes per week in class time for academics to allow for more 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 performance, including increased concentration; improved math, reading, and writing test scores; and reduced destructive behavior. Academic performance also improves when physical education reduces time spent on academics. Jensen (1998) had shown that aerobic conditioning can help improve memory. Exercise can strengthen particular areas of the brain, and getting oxygen during exercise can improve connections between neurons. Neuroscientists have discovered the strong connection between physical exercise and cognitive functions. To continue neurogenesis, or the production of new neurons in the brain, students must learn any movement more complicated than walking. These movementscomplicated will test the brain thus building the parts of the brain that organize physical and metallic activity. Experts recommend that children at school participate in at least an hour of physical activity every day because 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 also in other subjects. This is demonstrated in several studies conducted with standardized tests used as instruments. Everyone would agree that learning is best in a supportive and highly relaxed environment. The human body produces its own natural relaxant known as endorphin. Endorphin is one of the body's painkillers, an opioid (morphine-like) chemical produced by the body that serves to suppress pain. Endorphins are produced 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 opioid medicines). These neurotransmitters serve to transmit electrical signals within the nervous system. There are at least 20 different endorphins with possible benefits and uses that researchers are currently studying. Endorphins also act as an analgesic, i.e. decreasing the perception of pain, and as a sedative. Chemically, endorphins are peptides (chains of amino acids shorter than proteins) and are rapidly inactivated by enzymes called peptidases. Endorphins have been shown to control feelings of stress and frustration (www.road-to-health.com). A Mayo Clinic staffer says one way to take control of the stress in one's life is through physical activity, so being active can increase feel-good endorphins and distract a person from everyday worries. So what is the connection between endorphins and exercise or physical activity? Physical activity helps increase the production of the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters which could have a direct effect on the teaching and learning process as it helps build an environment conducive to learning. Yes, the brain is ready to learn because its state is stable. Furthermore, it helps increase happiness and mood, so the person often has a better outlook on life. Stress can be relieved and self-esteem can be increased. Furthermore, due to its increased production during physical activity, users will feel a sedative effect and may sleep better. Studies have shown that endorphins are released 30 minutes after engaging in any physical activity. Conclusion Aside from 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 help increase self-esteem and a positive outlook, thus increasing self-confidence and developing social skills that contribute to an overall sense of well-being. Things to keep in mind: This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay With all these mental and social benefits of dancing, it is good that the Department of Education has included dance education in the curriculum. Additionally, some LGUs are conducting Zumba sessions for interested members of the community. Works CitedCoyle, J. T. (2004). Use it or lose it: Do challenging mental activities protect against dementia? The New England Journal of Medicine, 352(25), 2571-2572. Einstein, G., & McDaniel, M. (2004). Built-in memory, 37(2), 145-162.