The benefits

Dance can support lifelong physical wellbeing. Regular participation in dance can help older adults:

Improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls.
Enhance strength and muscle endurance needed for everyday activities.
Maintain flexibility and joint mobility.
Strengthen bone health through standing dance.
Improve posture, coordination and body awareness.
Support cardiovascular health through sustained movement.
Manage chronic health conditions.
Increase energy and reduce fatigue.
Improve walking confidence and functional mobility.
Assist with maintaining independence and quality of life.
Encourage regular physical activity through enjoyable participation.
Promote healthy ageing by supporting overall physical function.

Dance can provide ongoing opportunities to stimulate and challenge the brain. Participating regularly in dance can:

Improve memory through learning and recalling movement sequences.
Strengthen concentration and attention.
Enhance coordination between thinking and movement.
Encourage problem-solving and decision-making during movement tasks.
Challenge the brain through changing patterns, rhythms and directions.
Support dual-task abilities by combining movement with cognitive tasks.
Boost neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections when learning new choreography.
Engage multiple brain regions simultaneously through movement, music and social interaction.
Encourage lifelong learning and mental engagement.
Help support cognitive health and resilience as people age.

Dance can make a valuable contribution to emotional wellbeing. Dance participation can:

Create opportunities for enjoyment, fun and laughter.
Enhance mood through movement and music.
Help reduce feelings of stress and tension and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Provide a positive outlet for self-expression and creativity.
Support confidence through skill development and achievement.
Encourage a sense of purpose and participation.
Promote feelings of vitality and accomplishment.
Help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Support positive self-image and self-esteem.
Contribute to overall life satisfaction and wellbeing.

Benefits from our Sound Movers

Testimonials

Well, I’m a post-polio, and I thought well I wouldn’t mind dancing even though I can’t walk properly. So I kept coming and I never missed a day and I’m pleased to say I used to fall over quite regularly each year but since dancing I haven’t had 1 fall in over 5 and a half years! The whole class to me – it’s a joyous class of music, dance and fun!

TP, 77Seated to Standing dance participant

Dance is different than other aerobic exercise because you’ve got to use your brain so much. You can’t just go for a walk and zone out. You really have to concentrate and focus and it’s completely new. It’s a fun exercise that’s also stimulating my brain. That’s my main personal motivation for doing dance.

DH, 70Active & Agile dance participant

It’s also a sense of belonging. You get to know the other people in the class, and you exchange little bits of your life with them. So that’s really good. A sense of community which is really important in these days of loneliness where a lot of people are at home very alone, so getting out and doing something like dancing is really good for community.

DT, 75Active & Agile dance participant

It’s great for my mind, body and spirit. I can’t practice yoga anymore because of all my rheumatoid arthritis and other health problems, but this I can manage and I love it.

MB, 75Active dance participant

It’s the highlight of my week! Doing dance lifts my spirits and lasts the whole week. It’s helped me get over grief. It’s fun and when you achieve these little steps and these little routines, it feels like you’ve conquered the world, but you’ve just conquered a dance step.

KR, 67Active & Agile dance participant

The benefits

Physical Benefits

Cognitive Benefits

Emotional Benefits

Social Benefits

Benefits from our Sound Movers

Testimonials

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