<ul><li><b>Dancing is a great all-round cardio workout.</b></li><li><b>Dancing is fun</b> in the way a monotonous treadmill run probably never will be.</li><li><b>It can be a social activity</b> and working out together can help to up the difficulty level and increase accountability.</li><li><b>Anyone can dance.</b> "It's about you moving your body in your way not like the rest of the people in the class."</li><li><b>It can keep your brain sharp.</b> According to one study, getting footloose on a regular basis is linked with a 76 % reduction in dementia risk.</li><li><b>It's gentle on the body.</b> Dancing is more free, allowing you to adjust the tempo when your body needs a break.</li><li>A research review found that dancing, as well as carrying objects while walking, <b>can help to improve balance</b>.</li><li><b>You don't need a lot of equipment.</b></li></ul>

Dancing benefits

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<p>It's time to get your groove on.</p>
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<p>Dancing has a way of taking your cares away. It doesn't matter if it's the Electric Slide, the Macarena or your own crazy moves. Who <em>hasn't</em> gotten lost in an upbeat song as they jumped around?</p>
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<p>But not only does it feel good to the soul, dancing also has some major health perks. Research shows dancing can improve <a href="http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/emotional-health/dancing-shown-help-boost-happiness-and-mental-health">your mental health by boosting your overall happiness</a>. If you're looking for a reason to shake it off today, check out some of the benefits below. Dance party, anyone?</p>
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<p>Dancing can improve your balance.</p>
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<div><em>A previous version of this article by Laura Schocker appeared in <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dancing-with-the-stars-health-weight-loss_n_1411588">April 2012</a>.</em> </div>
<div><em>Are you as happy as you could be? <a href="http://link.huffingtonpost.com/join/nk/lifestylechallenge0116&amp;hash=9ff553538bc9e5f216f13bba81649e03">Sign up for our newsletter</a> and join our 30-day happiness challenge to become a happier, healthier version of yourself. W</em><em>e'll deliver tips, challenges and advice to your inbox every day.</em> </div>
<div><em>Use our challenge calendar below to stay on track -- it can even sync to your own schedule and send reminders to your phone:</em> </div>
<div><img src="https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/559d784e1b00009b00859153.jpeg?ops=scalefit_960_noupscale"> </div> 
</section><section><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/topic/dancing">dancing</a><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/topic/health-benefits-of-dancing">health benefits of dancing</a><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/topic/dance-benefits">dance benefits</a><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/topic/huffpost-happiness-challenge">huffpost happiness challenge</a><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/life/topic/sleep-wellness">sleep + wellness</a> </section> </div>

It's time to get your groove on. Dancing has a way of taking your cares away. It doesn't matter if it's the Electric Slide, the Macarena or your own crazy moves. Who hasn't gotten lost in an upbeat song as they jumped around?

Dancing Isn't Just Fun -- It's Really Good For Your Health

Dancing benefits

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