Tango Dance: Therapeutic Benefits: A Narrative Review
Abstract
The aim of this comprehensive narrative review is to present, in a condensed form, the evolution of Tango as a popular enjoyable dance and all the published studies on the therapeutic benefits of tango dance in individuals with various illnesses, especially Parkinson’s disease. The review provides useful information to researchers and healthcare providers in developing optimal individualized therapy based on tango dancing in improving physical and emotional health, and the quality of life of patients. Tango, a
partner dance accompanied by music originated in the 1880’s in Argentina and Uruguay. Of the many
styles, Argentinian tango is the most popular dance practiced and enjoyed by a large number of people
worldwide. Therapeutic benefits of tango dance were recognized in 1980, and numerous scientific studies
have shown that tango dance improves quality of life, cognition, endurance, balance, social satisfaction,
and emotional health. Tango dance targets five main areas considered to be important for improving
quality of life: 1) physical exercise (increasing muscle tone, endurance, heart and lung conditioning and
enhancing balance, stability and flexibility); 2) social satisfaction (improving self-confidence and
socializing); 3) spirituality and mindfulness; 4) cognition ; 5) meaningfulness and emotional health
(reducing stress and anxiety, and giving a sense of well-being). Although, the beneficial effects of tango
dance have been demonstrated in elderly individuals and in subjects with anxiety, depression and
neuropathy, most of the studies have been carried out in patients with Parkinson’s disease, in whom the
dance improves physical and neurological deficit, and the quality of life. Limitations of therapeutic
application of tango dancing include patients’ physical limitations, need for a committed dance partner
and a trained tango instructor, and adequate space. Furthermore, there is no optimum intervention
(duration and intensity of dance) to benefit individual patient.
Keywords: Tango, Partnered Dance, Parkinson’s disease, Therapy, Quality of Life.
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