The pandemic already altered the ways students do simple everyday tasks, but as parties are beginning to kick off again, students should embrace the benefits of dancing.
Attending social events or parties and dancing is often an important part of a student’s social life and can even help them build social skills that can be useful later in life and in future careers.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic changed how students socialize. According to PBS, students had to create a new normal with the sudden change to online learning and having to social distance from loved ones and friends.
Since social distancing was important during the pandemic, it was practically impossible to have large gatherings and parties.
Some students spent more time behind a computer screen or watching television than they were enjoying physical activity. Daily activities became virtual practically overnight.
People often enjoy watching others dance, but seldom get off the couch to do it themselves. Many do not realize the various benefits that dancing has on one’s mental and physical health.
According to Everyday Health, dancing can boost one’s memory, improve flexibility, reduce stress, beat depression, burn calories, improve cardiac function, increase energy and begin new friendships.
Attending parties and dancing can also give students a much-needed mental break from the intense pressures of school. Students can pause their studying and loads of homework assigned by professors to finally relax and have fun.
It is important for students to find a balance between prioritizing their academics and free time in which they socialize.
Coming into college, many students do not know what to expect from this new chapter in their life. Both older students and the media can give upcoming college students an idea of what a “college experience” should look like. This “experience” that students expect often consists of going out every weekend to party. However, this lifestyle is not required for students to have fun.
Students do not need to attend a party to dance or to have fun. The Kennesaw State University OwlFit Program offers dance classes such as Zumba and Hip Hop. These classes are free to all KSU students and recreation members with a student ID.
KSU recently held its annual Miracle Dance Marathon on March 26. This was a 12-hour dance marathon where students gathered to raise money to help provide better care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
This event is open to all KSU students who wish to get involved. Throughout the 12 hours, the leaders of the event taught the participants a dance that they created! At the end of the event, the participants performed the dance for the families directly impacted by CHOA.
This event can be a perfect opportunity for students to embrace and enjoy dancing while supporting a good cause. Even though the event has passed, students can look forward to getting involved in next year’s Dance Marathon.
Despite the major changes to social life that the pandemic has caused, students can still turn up some music and dance. Dancing gives students an outlet to express themselves whether it is at a party, an on-campus event or even in their living room.
