While ballroom dance is often associated with sparkle, entertainment, and competition, there’s growing evidence regarding the myriad other ways — both emotional and physical — that the activity benefits its participants — especially seniors and the elderly.
On an emotional level, it can help increase mental wellness and emotional resilience while also easing anxiety, grief, and social isolation.
Ballroom dancing has also become a popular way to supplement physical therapy, as well as help those who need to improve their balance, and/or manage neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease — and even Alzheimer’s.
That’s certainly been the case for many of the clients who visit the Delray Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio, which is owned and operated by champion ballroom dancers Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez.
They’ve seen firsthand the transformative effect that ballroom dance can have on one’s outlook on life.
“Ballroom dancing is far more than movement set to music,” said Martinez. “It strengthens the body, clears the mind, and gives people a safe place to express their emotions. We see lives change here every day.”
Research backs up benefits of moving and grooving
A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that regular dancing was linked with a 76% reduction in dementia risk (which is comparable to the cognitive benefits playing board games or musical instruments) — while other physical activities such as walking, bicycling, or housework did not show the same reduction.
Sepulveda explained that ballroom dance requires coordination, posture, rhythm, and controlled movement — all of which directly support mobility and balance.
“Several of our students with Parkinson’s have regained the steadiness and mobility they thought they’d lost,” noted Sepulveda. “Dance gives them back a sense of control and confidence. It’s truly beautiful to watch.”
Beyond the physical benefits, dance also offers mental health benefits. According to a University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) Health study of 1,000 free-flowing dancers, 98% of participants reported improved moodafter dancing. And among participants with anxiety or depression, 96% said dance helped them cope with their condition.
Watch USA TODAY reporter train with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ pros
USA TODAY’s Anna Kaufman steps into the ballroom to train with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ pros.
Many folks enjoy dance classes and/or private lessons because they offer a rare escape from the overwhelming presence that our digital devices have in our lives.
Sepulveda cited the combination of partner connection, rhythmic repetition, and musicality as being the components that enable dance aficionados to reach what is colloquially known as “moving meditation” (similar to what other experts call “a flow state”).
“When you’re dancing with a partner, you can’t think about yesterday or tomorrow,” said Sepulveda. “It forces you to be fully present — and that’s incredibly healing.”
Dance also offers an outlet for emotions that many adults struggle to express through words. Whether students arrive feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or grieving, Martinez has often seen the physical connection and movement shift her students’ entire emotional state.
“Some students have come in after a terrible day wanting to cancel,” said Martinez. “That’s when I always tell them: ‘Today is the day you need to dance.’ After their session, they always leave feeling lighter.”
Local who loves being on the dance floor
Jorge Velez has certainly benefitted from his time on the dance floor.
The 54-year-old Delray Beach resident, who lost his mother in 2022, explained that right before she died, he had a conversation with her that would change the trajectory of his life.
As they were listening to music, Jorge’s mother looked at him and said, “I wish you could dance this with me.”
Velez softly replied, “But I don’t dance.”
Just before she died, Velez — who weighed 300 pounds at the time — held her hand and promised he would learn so that they could dance together in heaven.
“I hated dancing at first,” recalled Velez. “But I fell in love with it. I kept getting better — and I wanted more.”
Dance gave Velez structure, accountability, and joy. His instructors and coaches became a team that checked in on him, pushed him, and believed in him.
In the last two years, Velez has lost more than 100 pounds and enjoys participating in national dance competitions — including most recently at the 2025 Fred Astaire South Florida Holiday Ball in Miami where he won first place in his age category.
He and other fellow Delray Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio students will be participating in the upcoming Blockbuster Ballroom dance show on March 7-8 — a Hollywood-inspired dance extravaganza being held at The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum in Boca Raton.
Velez said that his improved physique and increased stamina have given him more confidence, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity — all of which he believes have contributed to his sobriety journey, which is now 16 years and counting.
And he credits all of these positive changes to the ongoing motivation and inspiration he still draws from his mother: “I know she’s watching.”
Snowbirds who feel at home when they’re dancing
Susan and Hank Savitch, 84 and 85, respectively, are New Jersey snowbirds — and just celebrated their 62-year wedding anniversary.
In 2022, at the recommendation of Susan’s physician, the couple decided to take up ballroom dancing after Susan had begun showing the early warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Hank is thrilled with the effects dance has had on Susan’s condition — and so are her primary care physician and neurologist.
“Her motor functions, balance, and cognition have all improved,” reports Hank. “They said it’s the best thing she could have done for herself.”
The couple have become so enamored of dancing that they too are participating in the Blockbuster Ballroom show.
But most important of all for Hank are the ways dance makes Susan feel happier and more positive.
“She really looks forward to going to the studio,” he said. “And when we’re dancing together, I see the old Susan come out.”
Steve Dorfman is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. He writes about all aspects of health, fitness and wellness. If you have news tips, please send them to [email protected]. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today
IF YOU GO
What: Blockbuster Ballroom dance show — a Hollywood-inspired dance presentation featuring performers of all ages and skill levels.
When: March 7, 7:30 p.m.; March 8, 2 p.m.
Where: The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton.
Admission: $65-$95 and can be purchased by visiting thewicktheatre.thundertix.com/.
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