Marine Corps Base Quantico -- For those who mark their calendars, the last Saturday of July is the annual National Dance Day since 2010. Marines, civilians and their family members attended a synchronized group dance at Butler Stadium Saturday to support the Healthy Base Initiative which will increase health and wellness in the local community.
There are many ways to stay fit and support your community, but some choose to be their best self though dance. This year, local community members shared some great reasons to shake a leg and dance to your own tune.
1. Celebration of dance is a holiday. I thought it would be a great community event for all skill levels and ages to get together and enjoy a little dancing,” said Ann White, director of Marine and Family Programs.
2. Anyone can dance. “There is no wrong way to dance, it’s all about health, fitness and enjoying yourself,” said Joni Gonzalez, Zumba group exercise instructor. “I am a Zumba instructor. Although I wouldn’t call myself a dancer, I simply love the energy and atmosphere.”
3. Dancing improves your health. “Dance builds cardiovascular endurance, which is important for overall health, because heart disease affects so many people,” said Kim (KC) Rickenbaker, who instructs the WERQ fitness class at the Barber Physical Activity Center here.
4. Dancing is a low-impact aerobic activity that increases flexibility, strength, and balance.
5. Dance improves self-image. “Dance fitness improves the way that I feel and I’ve noticed an improvement in my appearance,” said Michelle Brown, military spouse and native of Stafford, Va.
6. Dance is fun. “The dance fitness genre is so popular because it is so much fun; mostly because it doesn’t feel like I’m working out. It just seems like your having fun and listing to great music,” said Michelle Brown.
7. Dancing is a stress reliever. “My wife was diagnosed with cancer. During 5 months of her remission, dance was our outlet and it helped us to relieve stress when things were really hard,” said Gunnery Sgt. Marcus Gonzalez, facility advisor for Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy and Zumba fitness instructor.
8. Dancing develops self awareness through rhythm and movement. “Dance is a universal form of language, and it is a way for people young and old to express themselves,” said Lisa Vice, assistant fitness director, who coordinated the community event.
9. Dancing improves concentration and memory. The youth who attended the Fueled for Fitness Camp at Barber Physical Activity Center learned the official choreography and music for the National Day of Dance as part of their module.
10. Opportunities to meet people increases at dance events. “Dancing promotes fitness and social wellness. I met some really energetic fitness instructors, and I look forward to attending group fitness classes in the future,” said Caroline Maze, civilian employee and a native of Dumfries, Va.