Implications of Argentine Tango for Health Promotion, Physical Well-Being as Well as Emotional, Personal and Social Life on a Group of Women Who Dance

Abstract

Background: The aim of the research was to determine the effect that dance has on the promotion of health, physical well-being, as well as the emotional, personal and social life of women who dance. In addition, the impact of the physical activity of long, often all-night dancing events on women’s health was investigated. This included possible disturbances in their monthly cycle and circadian rhythm, taking into account symptoms of biological rhythm disturbances. Methods: The study involved 214 women: tango group: 109, sedentary group: 105. The Mann–Whitney U and chi2 tests were used to compare the groups, as well as multiple ordinal regression to analyse individual predictors of missed menstrual periods. Results: The tango vs. sedentary groups did not differ in the duration of menstrual bleeding, the degree of pain during menstruation, the regularity of menstruation, the number of regular monthly cycles per year, and amenorrhea. Intermenstrual spotting was more common in dancers (tango 12.8% vs. sedentary 4.8%; p = 0.038). The frequency of missed periods was not increased by any of the assessed aspects. In 59.6% of female dancers, milongas caused disturbances in circadian rhythms, including extreme fatigue and drowsiness (36.7%), 66.0% of the dancers mentioned only positive aspects of Argentine Tango’s impact on their personal life. Conclusions: tango plays a positive and multifaceted role in the lives of dancers and fulfils the need for social contact. The physical effort put into this form of physical activity does not significantly affect the menstrual cycle, and thus the reproductive functions, and can be recommended as an attractive and safe form of physical recreation for women.

The Influence of Running and Dancing on the Occurrence and Progression of Premenstrual Disorders

“…Its bygone popularity, however, is seeing a resurgence, which is reflected in the number of new schools offering this form of dance. The number of women who choose this type of physical activity in order to satisfy their different personal needs is also definitely increasing [39]. Tango, compared to other forms of ballroom dancing, is characterised by simple steps that are easy and quick to learn.…”

Effects of Dance Interventions on Cognition, Psycho-Behavioral Symptoms, Motor Functions, and Quality of Life in Older Adult Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

“…Dance can be used as a safe and effective alternative to exercise, reducing the physical health risks and outcomes associated with sedentary and inactive behaviors. Moreover, existing evidence proves that dance intervention can reduce the risk of falls to a certain extent (Liu et al, 2021 ; Witkoś and Hartman-Petrycka, 2021 ). Thus, it has a particularly positive effect on improving physical functions, such as muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and it also has a particular effect on improving the cardiovascular function of participants.…”

“…Creative art therapy can positively affect mental health through the mechanisms of body and mind, communication, and emotional expression (Liu et al, 2021). Additionally, dance is usually performed in a social, pleasant environment, improving patient mood, reducing loneliness, and showing psychological benefits (Carapellotti et al, 2020).Group dance is a form of social activity rooted in human culture (Witkoś and Hartman-Petrycka, 2021). People can achieve social satisfaction by better recognizing themselves in groups with similar interests and goals, reducing social isolation, improving patient social function, and realizing social satisfaction.…”

Exploring Self-Compassion among Recreational Dancers: Differences Between Tango and Ballet - Dance Teaching Implications Through Somatic and Embodied Disciplines

“…In the dance environment, most prior research has studied ballet with references to modern dance; almost no research concerns tango. However, tango has been shown to be a physical activity that is relatively greater freedom from costume and technical requirements, involves more interaction with partners, and promotes health and well-being (D' Errico et al, 2014;Toyoda, 2012;Witko´s, & Hartman-Petrycka, 2021). In contrast, ballet is a more difficult form of activity with more physical and technical demands, and participants show more frequent negative self-criticism and emotions including concerns about body image, and psychological stress due to instructors' corrections and injuries (Chatzipanteli, 2016;Keizer-Hulsebosch, & Stubbe, 2019).…”