The Dance Cure: The Surprising Science to Being Smarter, Stronger, Happier

Lovatt (Dance Psychology), a British psychologist and former professional dancer, examines in this insightful work the ways people can improve their lives by dancing. His suggestions are whimsical as he pairs types of dancing with the kinds of improvements one wants to see in one’s life. Looking to deal well with anger? Try channeling that into the “improvised, raw and emotive” energy of a “hip-hop dance-off.” Zumba is suggested as a quick mood enhancer, while pogoing is great for relieving stress. Recounting his own experiences as a bullied dyslexic child for whom school was a succession of failures and dancing his only comfort, Lovatt describes learning to read and his realization that the written language had patterns similar to those of dance. While Lovatt attempts to tailor the book to general readers and provides many exercises, lists of favorite dance tunes, and suggested videos for readers to seek out, this is not a self-help book for casual browsing; it is best suited for those interested in movement as a way of overcoming learning disabilities or improving mental health. For those willing to put in the work, Lovatt makes a persuasive case for the therapeutic good of dancing. (Jan.)