Why do we enjoy dancing so much? Is it an evolutionary advantage? Is it in our blood from our tribal ancestors who danced around the fire?
A new study confirms advantages of dancing beyond just cardiovascular exercise. Not just any kind of dancing though......choreographed dancing!
The researchers first measured everyone's pain tolerance. Next, they put people into 2 groups. In Group A, each individual learned the same dance moves. For Group B, they taught each person different dance moves. They placed the groups in a room together with headphones. Group A heard the same music, and started doing the dance together, and having a ball. Group B heard different music in their headphones and were doing their own individual dances.
After the dance party, the researchers measured people's pain tolerance. Those from Group A (synchronized dancers) had a significantly higher threshold, meaning you could give them more pain, and they wouldn't be bothered. Group B (individual dancers) either felt the same amount of pain as the beginning or more pain.
So, those who danced together as a group doing the same moves to the same music got better. Why? We aren't exactly sure, but probably because being part of a group has an evolutionary advantage. Dancing together makes you feel part of a team, which helps with survival in this crazy world.
No wonder I feel so happy after a hip hop class at the gym!