The rhythms, partnership, movements, and music, come together to make dancing one of the most satisfying experiences you'll ever have. Not only is dancing an exceptional way to let loose and have fun, but it also provides some terrific benefits for your health. In fact, researchers have reported that social dancing helps to reduce stress, increase energy, improve strength and increase muscle tone and coordination. And whether you like to kick up your heels to hip hop, ballroom dance, country or square dance, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that dancing has the following health benefits:

• Lowers your risk of coronary heart disease
• Decreases blood pressure
• Helps you manage your weight
• Strengthens the bones of your legs and hips

Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of a low impact aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. It is especially stimulating to the mind. One 21- year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine even that found dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly.

Reference: New England Journal of Medicine, June 19, 2003