Research proves that social dancing is among the best ways to maintain brain health — and it’s also great fun and exercise.
Research proves that social dancing is among the best ways to maintain brain health — and it’s also great fun and exercise.
That’s why the Hilo Hep Cats swing dancers, the Hilo Bay Dance Club, the Kolohe Folk Dancers, Rueda de Hilo and other East Hawaii dance groups are joining the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter in offering a medley of dance opportunities from 7-11 p.m. June 20 at the Hilo Elks Lodge.
Participants not only will support the Alzheimer’s Association’s commemoration of The Longest Day, a national observance in honor of caregivers, but they’ll be able to watch demonstrations and participate in mini-lessons of a variety of different dance styles.
Entry is $15-$20 (sliding scale) and additional donations are appreciated.
All ages are welcome (children 12 and younger are free), and no partner or experience is needed.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported in 2003 that participation in leisure activities is associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
The results showed that frequent dancing provides the greatest risk reduction (76 percent) of any activity studied, including reading (35 percent reduced risk), doing crossword puzzles (47 percent), biking, swimming and golf (all 0 percent).
Richard Powers at Stanford University states that dancing increases cognitive acuity at all ages because it integrates several brain functions at once: kinesthetic, rational, musical and emotional.
Freestyle social dancing with a partner, when many split-second decisions are made by the dancers, is the most effective; making these quick decisions is the key to maintaining cognitive abilities.
Hilo’s Dance-abration for Alzheimer’s will provide opportunities to try new dance styles.
In addition to the demonstrations and mini-lessons, there will be music suitable for a wide variety of partner dancing —including swing, nightclub two step, salsa, waltz and more.
The Hilo Elks Lodge is at 150 Kinoole St. in downtown Hilo. Park in the rear off Ululani Street and take the stairs to the dance hall.
The Elks bar will be open, offering soft drinks as well as adult beverages.
For more information on the event, contact Andrea Gill at 959-8216 or Ridley at 443-7360.