HealthLinksSC.com | 59 “We typically have 300-400 new visitors each year, and maintain a student body of around 150 active students year round,” Duncan said. “And at least a third of our current students and maybe a quarter of all new students want to use dancing as a way to maintain or achieve a healthier lifestyle.” He added that by the time everyone has gotten their fill of popular dances like the shag, salsa, rumba and swing, body fat and other unwelcomes are on the run. “I have witnessed many situations where students will lose an average of 15-30 pounds easily,” Duncan said. “In addition, the mental health aspect of dancing is so prevalent, as we help with Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure, stress relief, poor posture, blood circulation and relationships.” Based on reports by the international industrial research firm of IBISWorld, there are more than 10,700 dance studio businesses in just the United States alone — with demand rising for more places like Duncan’s Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Charleston, and Stankiewicz’s West End Dance Company. “I have pretty much been dancing my whole life from age 3,” Stankiewicz said. “And I can’t think of a better activity for any age to get and stay healthy.” Evidence shows that, together with the constant repetition of dance movement, the volume of the hippocampus (a brain structure that plays a major role in learning and memory) grows. “ “ With over 24 years of serving your seniors in Charleston County, we are a Senior Living community you can count on! We pride ourselves on providing a place that you and your family can call home. OUR LOVE AND ROOTS RUN DEEP! 843.553.6342 2590 Elms Plantation Blvd. North Charleston, SC 29406 TheBridgeAtCharleston.com Call to schedule a tour and learn about our availability! • HealthLinksSC.com • HealthLinks Video • HealthLinks Podcast • HealthLinks Newsletter For inquiries email [email protected] MORE ASSETS = MORE PATIENTS SCONLINE While West End Dance Company dancers often compete nationally in many categories, better health is fast becoming an additional reason for youth as well as adults.
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