Line dancing instructor Alice Norris leads students in some steps during a class at the Butler YMCA in September. Sandra Ihlenfeld, senior physical director at the Butler YMCA, says dancing offers physical and social benefits.

Those inclined to keep their backs against the wall when the music comes on may be missing out on more than a social opportunity.

Sandra Ihlenfeld, senior physical director at the Butler YMCA, says dancing — any style of dancing — provides a solid mind and body workout for all ages, personalities and athletic abilities.

Ihlenfeld shared with the Butler Eagle some of her favorite reasons to dance.

Dance to increase blood flow.

Increased blood flow translates to increased efficiency in the heart, lungs and other organs, Ihlenfeld said.

“It also helps to increase blood flow in the legs. Sometimes for older people, when we sit, that blood in the legs just becomes stagnant and that's when you get swelling in the legs.”

Jive your way to healthier jointsby combatting pain and stiffness.

“The joints actually need to move to stay lubricated,” Ihlenfeld said. “So dancing of any intensity, even very slow and easy, is very good for the body because it keeps the body's range of motion.”

Rumba to remember and to keep your mind sharp.

“As we age, our brain needs to be continuously worked as well as our muscles,” Ihlenfeld said. Memorizing the steps and motions of a dance keeps cognitive responses engaged and neurons constantly firing as dancers follow through a chain of choreography.

Grab a partnerand start building new, healthy relationships.

“Some relationships are built around lunch, but this relationship is built around activity, which is very good for everyone,” Ihlenfeld said. “The health benefits and the social benefits are huge.”

Waltz your way to happiness and have fun with it.

“Dancing is all about you and your style. Everyone wants to join in when you dance,” Ihlenfeld said. “Dancing is fun and you can dance at any age.”