Dancing burns more calories than Basketball?

Okay, so we know that any type of exercise will burn calories. We then know that dancing will burn calories. But do you know how many calories dancing will actually burn? I believe that most people dont actually look into the fact that dancing is one of the most physical activities out there. Put it this way, when dancing a person, on average, will burn 109 calories in 10 minutes. Playing basketball you burn about 90 calories in 10 minutes and playing soccer you burn about 92 calories in 10 minutes. In volleyball you burn about 34 calories in 10 minutes and in Racquetball about 90 calories in 10 minutes. This is all based on an average scale, but it does show how physical and intense dancing can be.

I want to make sure you know that I am not just talking about ballet or jazz dancing. I am talking about any type of dancing. For example, many college students go out to clubs with their friends and dance. Usually at the club you are moving around a lot and dancing for a while. Well, if you do the math on average are burning 109 calories in 10 minutes, therefore, in an hour of dancing you will be burning around 654 calories!

And what about dancing around the house? Next time you are cleaning your dorm room, apartment, or house you should try dancing. Put on some of your favorite music and dance around! You wont only be buring calories but you will also make cleaning fun. However, you dont need to clean, join a dance class, or go out to a club to burn your calories through dance. You can also do it on your own just for exercise. Turn up your favorite music or put on music videos on the TV and start dancing. There is no need to be embarrassed because it is a form of exercise. You can stay fit, burn calories, and build confidence. Just remember to always eat healthy and keep hydrated!

Check out these websites for more information and ideas...

http://www.livestrong.com/article/12446-calories-burned-/

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA281218

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7054.asp

Why do so many Dancers have Eating Disorders?

Perhaps one of the most controversal issues in the dance world throughout history and today is eating disorders. The connection between eating disorders and dancers is very critical in all types of dance. The main reason for this connection is the assumption that dancers must be thin. This preconceived notion has led many dancers to a lifetime of suffering and struggle. Yes, dancers have to be aware of their body in order to perform at their highest level. However, this doesn't mean they need to stop eating and weigh 90 pounds. Unforunately, most take it to this more serious level. The majority of these dancers develope eating disorders because of the pressure from their dance teachers and other students. About 46% of all dancers have reported having eating disorders! In Ballet especially, dancers have to be constantly aware of their bodies and are pushed to look absolutly perfect (this means no curves anywhere). This is most common in major ballet companies in NYC, Boston, LA, and other large cities. What many people dont realize is that these companies hold auditions where the choreographers will straight out tell dancers that they need to "trim down", "loose a few", or "cut down on the cheeseburgers".

The pressure these dancers go through leads them in becoming Anorexic or Bulimic. However, there are ways to try and help dancers with these illnesses. First of all, dance teachers themselves need to be aware of each of their dancers and understand the signs/symptoms of eating disorders. Secondly, dancers need to understand and be aware of the consequences from eating disorders and how to get help. And third, people who know dancers, whether family members or friends, also need to be aware of the symptoms of eating disorders and what to do if they suspect someone in having an eating disorder. Below is a list of websites that provide this valuable information. In all just keep in mind that about 10% of dancers with eating disorders will result in death! So it is important that they seek help immediatly. You could be the person to help them.

Check these out for more information...

http://www.dancehelp.com/articles/nutrition/anorexic-dancers.aspx

http://www.danceart.com/edancing/whatare.htm

http://www.dance-teacher.com/sections/articles/38

http://www.waldenbehavioralcare.com/eating_disorder_symptoms.asp

http://helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm

Dance as Therapy

When most people think about dance they usually think about ballerinas, shaking your hips, doing handstands, going out to clubs, and so on... Most people would not think that it can act as a healing therapy. A once famous modern dance choreographer and teacher, Martha Graham, once wrote "dance is the hidden language of the soul". Therefore, doing therapy through dance is a way for the mind, body, and soul to be connected. This connection is key to the healing and nurtuting of ones personal wellbeing. Interestingly enough dance therapy and movement have been around since the 1940's. Today dance therapy is used in 43 states and in 21 countries. It is also used by people of all races, backgrounds, and cultures, and with groups, families, couples, and individuals. Dance therapy lessons usually take place in mental institutions, hospitals, day cares, nursing homes, dance studios, and even at home.

People who participate in dance therapy do it for a number of reasons. Whether it be sickness (mentally, physically, emotionally), disease, special needs, old age, precnancy, and more. Dance therapy is a way for these patients to express themselves in a different way. They dont have to talk, answer questions, fill out papers, ect. There movement explains what is going on in their bodies and answers its own questions. Dance therapists learn from their patients particular movements and use it as evidence for a diagnoses. They will then set up an appropriate program for that individual. One study that proves the power of dance therapy had to do with women and breast cancer. The women that participated in dance therapy before and after treatment/surgury were much more confident, relaxed, and encouraging throughout the process. When it can time for their recovery this confidence and high-self esteem helped them recover quicker and get back to their daily lives faster that other women who did not practice in dance therapy.

All of this information proves how dance therapy is an opportunity for all people to help their wellbeing and become healthy. This shows that there is more to dance then just wearing tap shoes or doing back-flips. With the right approach people can actually be healed with its help.

What do you think about this kind of therap?
Is this something you mught be interested in?
Is there anyone that you know who could benefit from dance therapy?
Check out these following websites for more info...

http://www.adta.org/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_2_3X_Dance_Therapy.asp
http://www.artslynx.org/heal/dance.htm