Tango and Balance - Physically and in Life

I want to share this insight from Dr Helena Popovic, a prominent speaker, author and medical doctor:

"Forty healthy participants aged between 19 and 65 years were randomly assigned to either three months of twice-weekly balance training or to relaxation exercises. Not surprisingly, the balance group significantly improved their balance.

However, they also boosted their memory, spatial cognition, eye-hand co-ordination, leg-arm co-ordination, spatial orientation and reaction to moving objects, their ability to pay attention, process information, and perform tasks involving complex thinking.

No such changes were seen in the relaxation group.

Another study found that 6–12 months of co-ordination training three times a week improved not only balance, eye-hand co-ordination, leg-arm co-ordination, spatial orientation and reaction to moving objects, participants also enhanced their ability to pay attention, process information, and perform tasks involving complex thinking. "

Tango, as it is traditionally practiced in Argentina (not on YouTube), is all about balance, coordination, spacial orientation, and reaction, in real time, to another person’s movement.  Of course, it also includes the added challenge of doing it all to music, with a partner. 

The added benefits of social contact, human touch, mindfulness, meditative and flow states, and learning respectful relationships are well documented.

We have witnessed it change people’s lives.  It can improve yours too.

Click here to read the full text of DR Popovic's letter.

See you on the dance floor. The Tangolesson holds weekly Tango classes and social dances at the Gold Coast.