The history of popular dance in the modern era is also the history of social and cultural change. Our evolving society helped shape the dances that define the past several decades. Today, dance is both a leisurely hobby and a way to increase physical activity. Current research shows dance-based exercise has numerous benefits for older adults. In a literature review of nine studies related to the benefits of dance for older adults, six of the nine studies reported significant increases in muscle endurance, three studies reported significant increases in the older adults’ aerobic power and two found significant increases in flexibility (Keogh, Kilding, Pidgeon, Ashley, & Gillis, 2009).
Although increasing muscle endurance and aerobic power are important outcomes for older adults, improving balance and functional ability and reducing falls might be of even more benefit. In the same literature review, most studies reported that dancing significantly improved older adults’ static and dynamic balance, agility and gait speed when moving in a straight line, around obstacles, and up-stairs (Keogh, Kilding, Pidgeon, Ashley, & Gillis, 2009). Dance-based exercise is a wonderful way to train for fall prevention.