Put on Your Dancing Shoes for Good Health.

• Position: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

"Dancing is one of the most freeing and raw forms of expression that we have, and because of that, is an excellent activity for cultivating well-being. People who dance achieve many benefits to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which can directly improve physical health," says Ricardo Souza, a New York-based Brazilian professional dancer who highlights some health benefits that dancing can offer:

Help eliminate social anxiety. As humans, we're social creatures and crave connection to others. Dancing provides numerous opportunities to interact with other people who share the same passion as you. Being a part of a community that stimulates you has been linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system.

Improve bone density. Growing up, we are told to drink milk because it will make our bones stronger. While true, it is only one part of the equation. Load bearing exercises such as dancing cause microscopic damage to the bone itself; this damage is then repaired by the body while at rest...