Tango for Health
Embrace Life - Dance Argentinean Tango
The health benefits of Argentinean tango are well documented, not only on a physical level, keeping the body fit but on a deeper level promoting a transformative effect on physical and mental well-being . Dancing reduces stress levels, increases serotonin levels and cognitive functions. Whilst this is true for all dances, studies have shown this to be particularly so with Argentinian Tango.
Dancing Keeps You Young and Promotes a Sense of Freedom
TANGO IS TRANSFORMATION…FROM HEART TO MIND TO FEET
Step into the healthiest happiest activity …..dance and if its Tango dancing even better.
Physical Exercise
Tango is primarily a walking dance, integrated with giros (turns) and pauses. As a dancers’ tango vocabulary increases and they begin creating more complex movements so does their mobility, balance and core strength gained through a natural organic process. An upright relaxed posture creates space within and awakens body awareness.
Dancing tango well requires mindful control of the body which is accomplished by activating and releasing muscles to achieve a desired movement. Students find that they gain greater body control, not only when dancing tango but in day to day life due to increased muscle tone and strength as well postural alignment, balance and flexibility.
Cognition - Powering up the Brain
Dancing tango provides an avenue for learning new skills. It has been said that the essence of intelligence is making decisions and tango dancing requires split-second, rapid fire decision making. This results in several brain functions being activated at the one time, thus increasing neural connectivity. Furthermore tango is an improvised dance based on a technique that is precise and challenging. Added to this are further challenges of partnering another person, executing movements to a broad range of tango music (tango/vals/milonga) and navigating the dance floor. Switch on the brain and power up new neural pathways, dance tango!
Spirituality and Mindfulness
It is almost impossible to dance tango without being focused on the present task at hand. There is no time to ruminate about other concerns or troubles. The power of the embrace is very strong.
Purposeful dancers want to learn steps in a way that is graceful, effortless and synchronised with their partner. This promotes meaningfulness and focus - being in the present moment. It also requires being mindful of those around us taking into consideration our partner’s feelings and skills as well as those of the other dancers on the floor.
Tango is often expressed as a holistic activity inducing a state of flow and spirituality. Above all else, tango is about communication and connection with another person.
Social Satisfaction and Emotional Health
As a partnered dance, tango requires engaging with another person. Working together towards a common goal with a sense of connectedness and understanding. As a dancer achieves a new level there is a sense of achievement and satisfaction which can be shared with fellow dancers.
Learning and mastering tango offers a platform for meeting new people within the tango community and engaging in the social network. The very nature of dancing tango relieves stress and anxiety promoting a sense of well-being.
Most importantly dancing tango is fun and stylish.