Dancing for the brain ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of BBC's Six Minute English, hosts Neil and Beth explore the joys and benefits of dancing, from physical movement to mental health advantages. They discuss various dance styles and introduce the traditional English folk dance, Morris dancing. The program features Julia Ravey, who shares her passion for dance as a stress reliever, and Dr. Peter Lovatt, aka Dr. Dance, who explains how dance can enhance brain function across all ages, even for those with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The episode encourages listeners to embrace dance, with Dr. Lovatt suggesting a simple method to start moving to music.

Takeaways

• 🕺 Dancing is a fun and enjoyable physical activity that people of all ages can participate in.
• 🎶 Listening to music and allowing it to move your body can be a great stress reliever and mood booster.
• 🧠 Dancing has been proven to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved brain function.
• 👯‍♀️ There are many different dance styles available, from classical ballet to modern hip hop, offering something for everyone's taste.
• 🎉 Traditional English folk dance, such as Morris dancing, involves performers wearing black hats and colorful waistcoats, hitting sticks together in patterns.
• 💃 Julia Ravey, a BBC Radio presenter, finds dancing to be a significant release and a way to get stress out of her body.
• 🤔 Not everyone enjoys dancing, with some finding it awkward or uncomfortable, but the health benefits are substantial.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Peter Lovatt, known as Dr. Dance, has studied the positive impact of dancing on brain function across all age groups, including those with diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
• 🎵 To encourage more dancing, Dr. Lovatt suggests starting with lying on a bed, closing your eyes, and feeling the music to initiate movement.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Dancing can promote divergent thinking, leading to happier and more creative brains, making it a valuable activity for cognitive health.

Q & A

What does the phrase 'boogie on down' mean?

'Boogie on down' is a modern idiom meaning to dance, often with energy and enjoyment.

Why does Beth love dancing?

Beth loves dancing because she enjoys listening to the music and letting it move her body, which she finds fun and freeing.

What are some of the benefits of dancing mentioned in the script?

Dancing helps in releasing stress, boosting your mood, and improving physical and mental health.

What is Morris dancing, and where is it from?

Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance where performers wear black hats and colorful waistcoats, and hit sticks together while moving in patterns.

What idiom is used to describe how well Julia dances, and what does it mean?

The idiom 'like nobody's business' is used to describe how well Julia dances, meaning she dances very well or with great enthusiasm.

Why might some people avoid dancing, according to Neil?

Some people might avoid dancing because they feel awkward or uncomfortable, and they may be embarrassed by the thought of dancing in public.

What is Dr. Peter Lovatt's approach to dance therapy, and how does it help?

Dr. Peter Lovatt’s dance therapy involves spontaneous movements, such as closing your eyes and letting the music move you. It promotes divergent thinking, leading to happier and more creative brains.

How does Dr. Lovatt suggest people get more movement into their daily lives?

Dr. Lovatt suggests starting by lying on your bed with your eyes closed, listening to music, and focusing on where you feel a twitch in your body, which can lead to more movement and eventually dancing.

What does the idiom 'sit on the fence' mean?

'Sit on the fence' means delaying making a decision or avoiding choosing one course of action over another.

What does 'a dance a day keeps the doctor away' imply?

This phrase suggests that dancing regularly can improve your health, much like the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away.'

Outlines

00:00

💃 The Joys and Benefits of Dancing

This segment of 'Six Minute English' introduces the topic of dancing, emphasizing its physical and mental health benefits. Hosts Neil and Beth discuss their personal experiences with dancing, with Beth expressing her love for it and Neil admitting to feeling embarrassed. They highlight that dancing can release stress, boost mood, and be an enjoyable social activity. The show also touches on various dance styles and poses a question about a traditional English folk dance, Morris dancing. The segment features Julia Ravey, who shares her passion for dancing as a stress-reliever and emotional outlet. Dr. Peter Lovatt, known as Dr. Dance, is introduced as an expert who has studied the positive impact of dancing on brain function across different age groups, including those with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. His dance therapy encourages spontaneous movement to music, promoting creativity and happiness.

05:04

🎶 Dancing and Language: Recap and Conclusion

The second paragraph of the script wraps up the discussion on dancing with a focus on vocabulary. It starts by correcting the misconception about the traditional English folk dance, confirming that it is Morris dancing, not the Highland fling or Flamenco. The hosts then recap the key vocabulary words and phrases introduced throughout the episode, such as 'boogie', 'strut your stuff', 'throw shapes', and 'hit the dance floor', which are all related to dancing. Other terms like 'do something like nobody's business', 'a release', 'at all costs', 'sit on the fence', and 'a twitch' are also explained, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the language used to describe dancing and related experiences. The segment ends with an invitation for listeners to join future episodes of 'Six Minute English' for more trending topics and vocabulary.

Keywords

💡boogie

The term 'boogie' is a slang term used to describe the act of dancing, often to energetic music. In the context of the video, it is one of the modern idioms introduced to describe dancing. It is used to convey the enjoyment and freedom associated with dancing, as in 'Do you love to boogie on down?' which implies a lively and enthusiastic approach to dancing.

💡strut your stuff

'Strut your stuff' is an idiomatic expression that means to show off one's skills or talents, particularly in a confident and flamboyant manner. In the video, it is used to encourage listeners to express themselves through dance, suggesting a bold and self-assured movement on the dance floor.

💡throw shapes

To 'throw shapes' is an idiom that refers to dancing in an expressive or exaggerated manner. The phrase is used in the script to describe the act of dancing freely and without inhibition, as in 'Do you like dancing?' followed by '...and throw shapes.' It emphasizes the physicality and creativity involved in dancing.

💡hit the dance floor

'Hit the dance floor' is a common expression used to mean to start dancing, especially when entering a dance area or when the music begins. The phrase is used in the script to discuss the act of joining others in dancing, as in 'Do you often hit the dance floor?' It signifies the moment of engagement with the activity of dancing.

💡release

In the context of the video, 'release' refers to the act of freeing or letting go of emotions, feelings, or tension. It is mentioned as one of the mental health benefits of dancing, as in 'dancing is a release'. The term is used to describe the therapeutic aspect of dancing, where it can help in alleviating stress and promoting emotional well-being.

💡Morris dancing

Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance characterized by performers wearing black hats and colorful waistcoats, and hitting sticks together while moving in patterns. It is mentioned in the script as an unusual style of dance and is the correct answer to a quiz question posed in the video, highlighting the diversity of dance forms.

💡spontaneous movements

Spontaneous movements are movements that occur naturally and without prior planning or intention. In the video, Dr. Lovatt's dance therapy involves such movements, encouraging individuals to 'let the music move you'. This concept is central to the idea that dancing can be a natural and instinctive form of expression.

💡divergent thinking

Divergent thinking is a cognitive process that involves generating multiple solutions or ideas to a problem, often leading to creativity and innovation. The video suggests that dance therapy promotes divergent thinking, contributing to 'happier, more creative brains'. This term is used to explain one of the cognitive benefits of dancing.

💡twitch

A 'twitch' refers to a sudden, involuntary movement or spasm in the body. In the script, Dr. Lovatt advises listeners to close their eyes and listen to music, after which they might feel a 'twitch' somewhere in their body, indicating a natural response to the rhythm. This term is used to describe the initial physical reaction that can lead to dancing.

💡sitting on the fence

To 'sit on the fence' is an idiom that means to delay making a decision or to avoid taking a position on an issue. In the video, it is used to describe people who are undecided about whether they want to dance or not, as in 'people who avoid the dance floor at all costs'. This phrase is used to illustrate the hesitation some individuals feel towards dancing.

Highlights

Dancing has many physical and mental health benefits, including releasing stress and boosting mood.

Dancing can benefit our brains and emotions at every stage of life.

There are many different dance styles, from ballet to hip hop.

Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance involving performers wearing black hats and colorful waistcoats.

Julia Ravey, presenter of BBC Radio programme Mental Muscle, loves dancing as a release and stress reliever.

Dr Peter Lovatt, known as Dr Dance, has studied how dancing improves brain function across all ages.

Dance therapy by Dr Lovatt involves spontaneous movements and promotes divergent thinking.

Dr Lovatt suggests starting to dance by lying on a bed, closing your eyes, and feeling the music's rhythm.

Dancing can be a way of freeing emotions, feelings, or tension from the body.

The idiom 'like nobody's business' means doing something very well or quickly.

The phrase 'at all costs' implies that something must be done regardless of the difficulties involved.

Someone who 'sits on the fence' is indecisive or delays making a decision.

A 'twitch' is a sudden involuntary movement in the body, often a first step towards dancing.

The correct answer to the question about the English folk dance is Morris dancing.

Flamenco is a Spanish dance, and the Highland fling comes from Scotland.

The vocabulary learned includes modern idioms for dancing and phrases describing actions and decisions.

Six Minute English aims to provide trending topics and useful vocabulary in each episode.

Transcripts

Hello. This is Six Minute

English from BBC Learning English.

I'm Neil. And I'm Beth.

Do you love to boogie on down,

strut your stuff and throw shapes,

Beth? What I mean is,

do you like dancing?

Yes, I love to dance!

Just listening to the music and letting it move my body. What about you, Neil?

Do you often hit the dance floor? Sometimes,

but I'm not a great dancer. To be honest, I get a bit embarrassed.

But maybe I shouldn't, because it has been proved that dancing has

many physical and mental health benefits, including releasing stress,

boosting your mood or just enjoying a fun night out.

In this programme, we'll be hearing how dancing can benefit our brains

and emotions at every stage of life.

And, as usual, we'll be learning some useful new vocabulary as well.

Of course

another great thing about dance

is that there are so many different styles, from ballet

and ballroom dancing, to tap, hip hop and jazz.

But my question is about a very unusual style,

a traditional English folk dance where performers wearing black hats

and colourful waistcoats hit sticks together while moving in patterns.

But do you know the name of this unusual dance,

Beth? Is it a)

The Highland fling, b) Flamenco or c) Morris dancing?

I think the answer is Morris dancing.

OK, we'll find out later in the programme. Besides Beth,

someone else who loves to dance is Julia Ravey, presenter of BBC

Radio programme, Mental Muscle. Here

Julia tells us exactly why she loves dancing so much.

I love nothing more than a night or a day out where I can just dance

like no one's business. To me,

it's just such a release and is something that I definitely rely

on to get the stress out of my body. And I now

absolutely love to move. Any chance

I get, I'll dance. Now, I know

everyone is not a fan, 'cause some people can find dancing to be awkward

or uncomfortable, and I've seen people who avoid the dance floor at all costs,

but dancing is so good for us

and potentially our brains. Julia

can dance like nobody's business,

an idiom meaning very well or very quickly. For her, dancing is

a release, a way of freeing emotions, feelings or tension from her body.

Not everyone is the same as Julia, though.

And if, like me, the thought of dancing makes you uncomfortable,

you might avoid the dance floor at all costs,

no matter what happens.

That's a pity, Neil, because the benefits of dancing are huge –

just ask Dr Peter Lovatt,

also known as Dr Dance. Over four decades

he has studied how dancing helps improve brain function

in everyone, from children and adults, to older people living with diseases

like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Dr Lovatt's

dance therapy involves spontaneous movements, closing your eyes

and letting the music move you.

It promotes divergent thinking, leading to happier, more creative brains.

So, how can we get more people dancing?

That’s exactly what Julia Ravey asked Dr Lovatt for BBC

Radio programme, Mental Muscle.

What would you say to the person listening

who maybe does not dance at all right now,

maybe would like to dance a bit more, maybe for them

they are still a little bit on the fence about whether they want to dance?

How can everyone get a little bit more movement into their daily life?

OK, so the very first thing to do, I would suggest, is to lay on your bed

with your eyes closed, and to find a piece of music that you like...

Close your eyes and then just hear the beat and feel the rhythm.

So, think about where in your body

do you feel a twitch?

Julia mentions people who are sitting on the fence, who still haven't decided

if they will do something or not, in this case, dance. Dr Lovatt's

advice is simple. Get comfortable,

close your eyes and listen to some music.

Soon, you'll feel a twitch, a small, sudden and involuntary movement

somewhere in your body. From there,

it's only a few steps to dancing!

It seems a dance a day keeps the doctor away!

So, what do you reckon, Neil?

Are you ready to give it a go?

Maybe after I've revealed the answer to my question.

Right. You asked for the name of the traditional English folk dance

where dancers wear colourful waistcoats and hit sticks,

and I guessed it was Morris dancing...

Well, that was the correct answer,

Beth! Morris dancing is the name of the unusual English folk dance,

not flamenco, which of course is Spanish,

or the Highland fling, which comes from Scotland.

OK, let's recap the vocabulary

we have learned starting with boogie, strut your stuff,

throw shapes and hit the dance floor, all modern idioms meaning to dance.

If you do something like nobody's business,

you do it very well or very quickly.

A release is the act of freeing emotions, feelings

or tension from the body.

If something must be done at all costs,

it must be done

whatever happens,

even if it involves a lot of difficulty, time or effort.

Someone who sits on the fence, delays making a decision

or choosing one course of action over another.

And finally, a twitch is a sudden jerky movement or spasm in your body,

often involuntary. Once again

our six minutes are up.

Join us again soon for more trending topics and useful vocabulary here

at Six Minute English.

Goodbye for now. Goodbye!