Dancing

Dancing is a popular past-time to many people all over the world. It is not exclusively for the young nor does it take place only in developed countries. Way back in past centuries and even today, tribal people engage in dancing as a form of worship or part of a ceremony in a celebration. For such occasions, dancing can be ritualistic and solemn.

In modern times, dancing appeals to different people for different reasons. To the young, it serves as a form of exercising such as in aerobic dancing. Through this, the body’s stamina can be built up and muscles of various parts of the body become well-toned.

For some people, dancing is also a way o release pent-up feelings and frustrations. With the music in the background and the privacy secured in a room, one can simply dance to the music, allowing for self expression along the way.

Young people often include dancing in parties or at other social gatherings in discotheques. It seems to be an incentive for people to gather. They look forward to dance away into the nights during parties and not so much of wanting a good tuck in.

To the elderly, the steps in dancing are reduced with a slower tempo in the music. They gather in community centers to learn folk dancing and at the same time to know one another in such informal interactions. However, dancing can be abused by certain people in certain ways. With the playing of music with or without suggestive lyric, some people use dancing to enter into a more intimate physical contact with their dancing partners. Whether they are dancing with strangers or friends, this can usher in moral and relationship problems in some cases.

Personally I doubt the effectiveness of dancing as a major role in keeping one’s body healthy and in good shape. Activities such as jogging, swimming and playing racket games are more effective towards attaining good health. They are effective in burning off calories in our body and developing one’s muscles. To me, there are more meaningful and effective ways of keeping fit.