B O D Y T A L K
Dance
It's Brain Food
According to researchers at the
University of California Berkeley's
Greater Good Science Center, dancing
is the perfect exercise to reduce anxiety,
improve physical health and emotional
well-being, and feed the brain.
Dancing activates the release of hormones
that feed the brain, including:
• Dopamine—The "reward" hormone that is
released when we experience pleasure
• Oxytocin—The "connection" hormone that is
released when we are in contact with people
• Serotonin—The "well-being" hormone that
stabilizes our mood and feelings of happiness
• Endorphin—The "pain-relief " hormone that is
triggered by the discomfort of exercise
Studies have found that dancing also lowers
the risk for death from cardiovascular disease,
reduces the risk of dementia, and counteracts
age-related decline.
So, in the words of iconic dancer, teacher, and
choreographer Martha Graham, "Nobody cares
if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance."