Tune In: 3 Health Benefits of Listening to Music for Dancers

September 17, 2015
As a dancer, you’re used to having a close relationship with music in class and performance. But listening to your favorite songs outside the studio has its benefits, too. Below are three things music could do for you.

1. Speed Recovery

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Next time you head to the gym for a cross-training session, consider this: According to one study, listening to music after a workout could help you recover more quickly. This was found to be true no matter what type of music participants chose, though slower music caused a stronger relaxation effect than more upbeat songs.

2. Increase Self-Awareness

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It’s no surprise that hearing a song you like can give you a mood boost, but a 2013 study found that music also helps people get in touch with who they are and how they’re feeling, increasing their self-awareness.

3. Perform Under Pressure

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A study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that female basketball players who were susceptible to cracking under pressure during games played better if they listened to upbeat music beforehand. Next time you’re nervous before a big performance, pump yourself up with a catchy tune while you’re warming up.