The world just celebrated International Dance Day on April 29, a celebration that made it into our calendars in 1989, thanks to the ITI (International Theatre Institute), the main organisation for performing arts associated with UNESCO. This day was chosen because it commemorates the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727 - 1810), the creator of Modern Ballet.

We celebrate this holiday to promote dance across the world, to make people aware of the value of dance and to enable the dance community to promote their work on a broad scale. With 90 classes running per week, we bring people together from all ages and all walks of life to enjoy together that ONE THING we all love: DANCE.

This day is a celebration of dance as a universal language, transcending all political, cultural and ethnic barriers. It reminds us that without using a word, we can communicate, connect and celebrate humanity.

Click on the video below to see snippets of some of our classes on the timetable.

... it's a HUMAN RIGHT.  It's communication, it's legacy.

For as long as humans have populated this planet, as far back as evidence is able to show, we have been dancing, way before we were talking. 

Evolutionary biologists propose that humans began to dance because it helped us find mates, coordinate big collective projects, demonstrate strength, and promote psychological unity. (Source: Nautilus).

And thus, dance has evolved with us, with our world and our needs.

As years go by and more resources are focused on investigation involving human behaviour and dance, the more evidence keeps on shining through about the benefits of dance. 

Dance also has benefits for mental health. It has been shown to help individuals channel aggression, desire, and other strong emotions, to cut the risk of dementia, and to boost self-esteem when complex steps are learned in structured settings. Now a growing number of studies suggest that moving our bodies in time to music with others could help treat depression, too. [...] Unlike other forms of aerobic exercise, dance also tends to involve synchronized exertion with other humans and social bonding through music, activities also known to release endorphins. And partner dance often involves trusting social touch, which is associated with the release of natural opioids and neurotransmitters such as oxytocin that have equally potent analgesic, stress relieving, and mood enhancing effects. (Source: Nautilus).

So yes, you may be practising dance as a hobby (due to its frequency and/or intensity levels) but you are also getting all the therapeutical benefits that come with it. It seems it is something so natural to humans, so integrated in our system, that the brain is able to regulate and balance through this activity.

What has become clear is that movement and physical activity is beneficial for our mental health. Dance won't be the right choice for 100% of people, but it is the right choice for 100% of OUR PEOPLE.

DISCLAIMER: If you are struggling with mental health, seek professional help. Dance is therapeutical, but is not therapy. It can only be a supplement to your main mental healthcare.

Dance is just the vehicle. Communicate, connect, celebrate.

The Dance Habit Team

Move. Feel. Belong