Recreational folk dance: A multicultural exercise component in healthy ageing

Connor, Margaret

doi:10.1046/j.1440-1630.2000.00214.x

Cited by 39 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Other researchers have observed resistance to programmes that emphasize physical activity. For example, Connor (2000) has noted that folk dance is appealing to older citizens precisely because it is not seen in the first instance as physical activity -but is instead 'social' or for 'relaxation'. Exercise programs based solely on physiological benefits often fail to motivate people to activity and they may make comments such as: 'I've exercised enough in my life' or 'I'm too old now', or they may see no relevance in improving their range of movement, stamina, or flexibility.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dancing beyond exercise: young people's experiences in dance classes

Gardner

Komesaroff

Fensham

2008

Journal of Youth Studies

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Although physical inactivity contributes substantially to the so-called obesity epidemic, public health programs have had limited success in increasing activity. Dancing is a form of physical activity widely practised by all cultures and age groups which may offer many health benefits. Community-based dance classes in urban settings may have a role in health promotion programs. However, little is known about the motivations or experiences of people participating in dance classes or the outcomes of such participation.We undertook a qualitative study of 10 people aged 14-25 years attending communitybased dance classes. One-to-one, semi-structured interviews addressed motivations, the nature of the class experience, impact on body image and other implications for health and wellbeing. The interviews were transcribed and analysed according to standard techniques of thematic analysis.The data have shown that dance class participants' experiences of 'the physical' are embedded in social, community/cultural or other values; participants respect their older teachers and they value physical expertise or knowledge that is gained over the long term; participation develops a sense of confidence and provides opportunities for transcendent experiences. These data support the conclusion that encouragement of dance class participation may offer an important strategy for health promotion as long as dance classes are not promoted in narrowly-conceived 'exercise' terms. By helping to foster a concept of physical activity that is life-long and non-individualistic, and where expertise increases rather than decreases with age, it may provide a resource for initiatives designed to address the problem of overweight.Evidence suggests that lack of physical activity in young people may be a major indicator of poor health outcomes, including obesity (Salmon et al, 2006, Power et al, 1997, diabetes and depression (Allgower et al, 2001). These poor health outcomes of youthful inactivity may also develop later in life (Baumann and Owen 1999, Power et al, 1997). It is widely agreed that there is an urgent need for young people to engage in physical activity and various public health and clinical strategies have been tried or proposed (Baur, Lobstein & Uauy 2004).Advertising and health education campaigns promoting physical activity have tended to focus on sport and other physical fitness regimes (Headley 2004) but almost no attention has been given to the preventive and therapeutic possibilities of participation in recreational dance activities in Australia. Our study sought to identify the reasons why young people attend dance classes and focused on their motivations and experiences. MethodsWe undertook semi-structured, in-depth interviews of an 'open sample' of young people attending a variety of community-based recreational dance classes. Studios offering different 3 kinds of dance classes were identified using the Yellow Pages and information from the organisation Ausdance Victoria. Teachers were approached as to the possibility ...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dancing beyond exercise: young people's experiences in dance classes

Gardner

Komesaroff

Fensham

2008

Journal of Youth Studies

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“…Dancing may be less threatening to many older adults than other exercise modes, given that many older individuals will have had positive experiences of dance when they were younger (Dunlap & Barry, 1999;Lima & Vieira, 2007). Dance might also be an important promoter of successful and healthy aging (Connor, 2000;Lima & Vieira;Wikstrom, 2004). According to Connor, Lima and Vieira, and Wikstrom, dance might allow older adults to maintain a connection to everyday life because it encourages fun and enjoyment and promotes social interaction, a sense of community, appreciation of aesthetics and continued health, physical activity, and mobility.…”

Section: Possible Benefits Of Dance For Older Adultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Benefits of Dancing for Healthy Older Adults: A Review

Keogh¹,

Kilding²,

Pidgeon³

et al. 2009

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

239

136

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Dancing is a mode of physical activity that may allow older adults to improve their physical function, health, and well-being. However, no reviews on the physical benefits of dancing for healthy older adults have been published in the scientific literature. Using relevant databases and keywords, 15 training and 3 cross-sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Grade B-level evidence indicated that older adults can significantly improve their aerobic power, lower body muscle endurance, strength and flexibility, balance, agility, and gait through dancing. Grade C evidence suggested that dancing might improve older adults' lower body bone-mineral content and muscle power, as well as reduce the prevalence of falls and cardiovascular health risks. Further research is, however, needed to determine the efficacy of different forms of dance, the relative effectiveness of these forms of dance compared with other exercise modes, and how best to engage older adults in dance participation.

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“…A supportive social environment is another key determinant of beginning and continuing a physical activity program (Bandura, 1997). Participating in a dance program includes the social contact, camaraderie, and laughter that comes with enjoying the company of others (Conner, 2000). The social support inherent in dance programs was found to be an important element for sedentary, obese women who were similar in weight, age, and fitness level (Gillett et al, 1996).…”

Section: Conceptual Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Culturally Specific Dance to Reduce Obesity in African American Women

Murrock

Gary

2008

Health Promotion Practice

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This article provides evidence of a culturally specific dance intervention to decrease obesity as measured by body fat and body mass index (BMI) in African American women. A community partnership was formed with two African American churches to develop an intervention to address the issue of obesity. The culturally specific dance intervention was delivered two times per week for 8 weeks, choreographed to gospel music selected by the experimental group participants, and taught by an African American woman. Body fat and BMI were assessed at three time points and revealed significant differences between the two groups. Attending a minimum of 7 classes was enough to show an observed dose effect and the intervention was found to be culturally specific by understanding their roles as African American women. This community partnership was an effective way to promote a church-based, culturally specific dance intervention to improve the health of African American women.

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Recreational folk dance: A multicultural exercise component in healthy ageing

Cited by 39 publications

References 5 publications

Dancing beyond exercise: young people's experiences in dance classes

Dancing beyond exercise: young people's experiences in dance classes

Physical Benefits of Dancing for Healthy Older Adults: A Review

Culturally Specific Dance to Reduce Obesity in African American Women

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