Health In-Person: Dancing for Health

Dance Your Way to Healthier Aging
One In-Person Session
Wed., Nov. 20, 2024, 6:30-8:30 pm MT

We know exercise is good for us, but new research is showing that physical activities that also double as play, such as ballroom dancing, can have extra benefits compared to traditional exercise as we age. Jennifer Vestal, a professional ballroom dancer, knows that research is true because she’s seen it with her own eyes. “I believe that people of any age can reap the many benefits of ballroom dancing,” she says.

Join Vestal as she spends the first part of this class―60 minutes―delving into the current research on dance and healthy aging. Discover the important role dance can play not only in helping our physical bodies, but also in preventing the onset of cognitive decline.

Then in part two, enjoy a 45-minute dance lesson! Learn the basic steps to the tango and dance with a classmate. Vestal says this is a beginner friendly class aimed at all ability levels, and you’re welcome to take breaks as needed. “You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll be able to pick up some new moves and see the many benefits of dance,” Vestal says. Please note: You don’t need to register with a partner to join this class. And please wear comfortable shoes that stay securely on your feet.

Jennifer Vestal has over 15 years of experience teaching ballroom dancing. Once a serious national competitor, she has shifted her focus to teaching through her project Anyone Can Dance. She has worked with dance teams at many universities and was most recently the coach for the ballroom dance team at Princeton University. She aims to bring the many benefits of dance to those who wish to learn and believe that dance can positively influence life.