Professional Documents
Culture Documents
AND HEALTH
Volume II
UNIT I
Introduction to
Dance
CHAPTER 1:
Brief History and Nature
of Dance
Learning Objectives
• To know the definition of dance
• To be familiar with the history and
nature of dance
• To understand the specific
benefits of dance and creative
movement
What Is Dance?
According to American dancer, dance educator, author, and film
and video producer Barbara Mettler…
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL
• Helps keep the brain sharp
• Decreases incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease
• Decreases depressive symptoms
• Increases self-esteem and improves body image
• Aids in releasing emotional and physical tension
SOCIAL
• Gives sense of togetherness within a group
• Encourages positive social interaction and
interpersonal relationship in a group
• Contributes to the individual’s potential for self-
actualization in society
CULTURAL
• Promotes cultural values
Dancing keeps people of all ages, shapes, and sizes
stay fit. It also improves muscle tone, strength and endurance.
Most especially, dancing is a great way to meet new friends.
Through dancing, everybody can enhance the way they
communicate with others.