Dance Directions, Translations & Videos
Here are links where you can find dance directions, words and translations and videos for many of the International Folk Dance favorites around the world: www.dunav.org.il www.evansvillefolkdancers.com www.phantomranch.net/folkdanc/folkdanc.htm folkdancemusings.blogspot.com Health Benefits of Dance Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. This is especially stimulating to the mind, and one 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine even found dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly. In the study, participants over the age of 75 who engaged in reading, dancing and playing musical instruments and board games once a week had a 7 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not. Those who engaged in these activities at least 11 days a month had a 63 percent lower risk! Interestingly, dancing was the only physical activity out of 11 in the study that was associated with a lower risk of dementia. Said Joe Verghese, a neurologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a lead researcher of the study, "This is perhaps because dance music engages the dancer's mind." Verghese says dancing may be a triple benefit for the brain. Not only does the physical aspect of dancing increase blood flow to the brain, but also the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, depression and loneliness. Further, dancing requires memorizing steps and working with a partner, both of which provide mental challenges that are crucial for brain health. |
Workshops & Camps
Mountain Playshop - IFD -September 30-Oct 1 - see website Karmiel USA - Israeli Dance - Labor Day Weekend - see website Other Local Dance Opportunities
Clemson International Folk Dance Every Tuesday from 5:30-7:30pm at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson, SC. For more information visit their website. Clemson Area English Country Dancers Meet quarterly on Sunday from 2:00-5:00pm at the American Legion Post in Seneca, SC. For more information visit their website. Harvest Moon Folk Society Contra dances most weekends at River Falls Lodge in Cleveland, SC or at Landmark Hall in Taylors, SC. For more information visit their website. |