Dance Your Way to Better Fitness–National Dance Day Is Sept. 17

September 14, 2022 / HR News/Training

National Dance Day is Saturday, Sept. 17!  We dance to celebrate; we dance to express ourselves, but we can also dance to improve our conditioning and to get into better shape. Dancing–whether hip-hop, tango, swing, waltz, tap, modern or jazz–is an excellent form of aerobic exercise that is easy to do and accessible to all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is on board, citing dancing as a useful way to help meet the physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity. No matter what kind of dance you do, it adds up to great cardio, which means weight management, a stronger heart and lungs and reduced stress.

But let’s not forget this incredible list of other benefits: Increased muscular strength, endurance, and motor fitness. Better agility, coordination, balance, and flexibility. And maybe the most important, a better mood! Some therapists even prescribe dance to work with shyness, anxiety, and social concerns.

You can put on some music at home, join NOVA’s Rec Well, or sign up for a class to learn the basic steps of any style of dance you like, from the cha-cha to the bunny hop. It’s only a matter of wearing comfortable clothes, good and sturdy shoes, and gettin’ a move on!

So, This Week’s tips are…

  • Grab your partner by the hand and start moving! 
  • Chat with your PUSH Pal about how you’ll add more dancing to your schedule. 
  • Click here to sign up for NOVA’s Rec Well Fall Virtual Zumba classes.
  • Congratulate our NOVA colleague Alan Golombek and his wife Thuy on winning the Capital Dancesport Championships. Consider enrolling in his ballroom dance class on the Annandale campus.
  • Join your friends and family on Saturday, September 17th for National Dance Day and attend the free activities offered in partnership with the Kennedy Center.

Consider opening this video to practice this year’s National Dance Day routine. If you are so inclined, you will have the chance to “show your moves” on Saturday, September 17th. The routine is meant to be inclusive and accessible for all (dancers and non-dancers of all ages and skill levels), so please translate the routine as necessary and have fun.

Let’s Get Active, NOVA! 

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, HR-Chief Wellness Officer, DHTett@nvcc.edu