Why dance may be the best medicine for your body and mind

More than just a form of entertainment, dance is increasingly being recognised as a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health. Health experts say regular dancing can burn calories, strengthen the heart, reduce stress and even lower the risk of dementia, making it one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise.

Studies show that an hour of dancing can burn 300 to 800 calories, depending on the intensity and style. It also improves cardiovascular fitness, helps manage cholesterol levels and enhances balance, flexibility and coordination.

Perhaps its most remarkable benefit is for the brain. A long-term study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that regular dancing may reduce the risk of dementia by up to 76 percent.

Researchers attribute this to the unique combination of physical movement, memory, rhythm and coordination required while dancing, which keeps the brain actively engaged.

Dance also supports mental well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones.

Specialists say dance therapy has proven beneficial for people experiencing anxiety, depression and even complex mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.

The roots of dance stretch back thousands of years. Ancient cave paintings across the Indian subcontinent depict dancing figures dating back nearly 9,000 years, while Bharata Muni's Natyashastra laid the foundation for India's classical dance traditions, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi.

In Bengal, references to dance can be found in the Charyapada, while Rabindranath Tagore later elevated Bengali dance to a global stage through his iconic dance dramas.

Across cultures, dance has evolved into a symbol of identity and celebration—from Argentina's passionate tango and Spain's flamenco to Brazil's samba and the Caribbean's salsa.

Today, social media has transformed dance into a global phenomenon, with viral dance challenges and choreographies creating new stars overnight.

Whether for fitness, emotional well-being or creative expression, experts agree that dance remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to nurture both body and mind.