Dancing and music are universal art forms that allow people to express themselves. Lyrical dance is a relatively new style that can be as intriguing as it is vague in its definition. If you plan to try out this expressive activity, learn more about it and why it’s become so popular below.

What Is Lyrical Dance?

As the name implies, this dance style focuses on expressing the lyrics of a song through movements. It primarily combines ballet and jazz, though it often also includes acrobatics, modern, and contemporary styles. It is constantly evolving, allowing one to use a wide range of music, including rock, folk, hip-hop, and pop. The style is a blend of diverse movements, and precision is not as highly emphasized as other forms. Therefore, one lyrical dance routine can look entirely different from the next. However, smooth and graceful moves are common elements.

Conveying emotion and showing the story the song is telling are two hallmarks of lyrical dance. Though the lyrics chosen are often poetic, you can perform this style with any tune, from Celtic to rap. The movements should have expressive qualities that allow the audience to connect with the dancer emotionally.

What Are the Benefits of Dancing?

As a form of bodily movement, lyrical dance counts as exercise. This low-impact cardiovascular workout can help you lose weight, gain muscle, and feel more energized. Additionally, various mental health benefits from dancing include feeling happier and less anxious and being more mindful and present.

A surprising benefit of this dance style is improving your social skills. Because of the constant interaction with teachers and fellow dancers, you can become more comfortable exchanging ideas and cooperating with others. If you’re shy, lyrical dance can help you gain the confidence you need to perform in front of an audience. Additionally, this movement style can even enhance your intelligence and guard against dementia, making it an effective form of exercise and mental stimulation.

If you are interested in trying out lyrical dance, contact Kick It Up Dance in Long Beach, CA. They offer many dance classes for students ages 3 to adult at varying experience levels. From hip-hop to hula, you can move your way to better health. Visit them online to learn more about the dance forms they teach, and call (562) 430-1812 to enroll in your first course.