Most of us realize that when you dance, you burn calories. Dance is a full-body workout that tones muscles and provides exercise.

Did did you know that many forms of dance provide exercise for your mind?

Learning new steps, remembering patterns, and moving your arms and legs in different directions gives the brain a workout. And focusing on the dance routine helps you clear your mind of your day to day burdens and responsibilities. What better way to de-stress?

Rather than pointing you to studies about how dance affects the mind, I thought I’d share what a couple of my adult ballet students have to say about dance:

Dance drives me to completely focus on the moment and forget my troubles. The left and right dance combinations, force me to use both mind and body. I always leave Ballet class smiling, and with a feeling of accomplishment. No matter how bad my day might have been, I can rest peacefully! – Maria J. Bortugno, Owner of B Designs

Five minutes into ballet class and the world sheds from my shoulders, my mind is at peace and my heart filled with joy! – Gabrielle Ares, NYS Office of Children and Family Services

Some students have told me that they feel better after a Ballet or Balletone class than if  they had gone to a spa or on a vacation at the beach. How do you feel while dancing?