Dancing is considered an artistic sport, so does that mean that it is a sport or art form? Art is motionless, like painting, or consists of walking, like that of theatrical plays or musicals. However, dancing requires extensive movement like cardio, but with the addition of telling a pleasant story. Dancing is a sport that is artistic.
As a dancer of 12 years, hearing that dancing is not a sport is one of the most infuriating comments. These people claim they do not see how dancing or cheerleading could be a sport because it is only movement-based. However, dancing requires intense movement, develops memory and interpersonal skills, and proves to be good for mental and physical health.
Yes, dancing requires a different type of athletic training than other generic contact sports. More movement means more energy, which burns more calories. Dancing engages the entire body and the entire mind while toning the body through repetition and developing the mind through memorization.
Dancing is a powerful way to develop skills and personal growth. The classical realm of ballet provides many opportunities to dance. Incredible directors such as Ben Stevenson, who choreographed the traditional version of the “Nutcracker,” instruct young ballet students. Dedication produces discipline, performances teach courage, and precise movements enhance coordination.
Different forms of movement, and dance, work different parts of the brain and body. Dancing provides an environment of growth. Like other sports, it requires blood, sweat, tears, cardio, coordination, and mental exertion. Whether it is memorizing thousands of vocabulary words for dance, learning and performing hundreds of dances, or developing interpersonal skills for coordinating routines, dancing is a complex task both mentally and physically. Even those who performed in the highly anticipated “mock rock” can attest to the hard work, dedication, and level of physical activity required for that spectacular performance.
Dancing has been proven to be the most effective exercise for good mental health. A University of Sydney study found that dance can improve cognition, social interactions, and psychological well-being.
Not only are there mental benefits, but there are physical ones. Dancing reduces the risk of heart disease and moderately intense dance improves heart health, according to a GoodRx article written by a health journalist and reviewed by a doctor.
Dancing is the most expressive form of movement. After all, every sport requires performance, and dancing requires a stage for that performance. Despite the uneducated and inexperienced critique of dancers, dancing is an intense physical and mental sport. Give it a try before asserting other claims.