Sit Dancing enables people of all ages and (dis-)abilities
to enjoy dancing while sitting down. The dances are based on traditional folk
dances and popular songs from around the world that have been adapted and
transformed to suit those unable to stand or walk. It was first introduced in
New Zealand in 1988 and still remains popular today with groups that embraced
it then.
Sit Dancing stimulates social interaction, fitness,
muscle toning, coordination, orientation, memory, fun, self-expression and
emotional release. The use of music from many cultures and traditions give this
programme an evocative and international character.
Research:
Research conducted by Sasha-Beth Wong (BSc hons
Applied Sport Science) at the University of Edinburgh in 2013 supports the use
of sit dancing as an effective form of physical activity, of sufficient
exercise intensity, to induce improvements in physical fitness and mood in
healthy older adults.
The research found that sit dancing was able to induce
exercise of sufficient intensity in order to improve physical fitness in
healthy older adults. Sit dancing was found to be of non-significantly lower
intensity than standing forms of exercise, and of significantly higher
intensity than sedentary behaviour. Therefore, these findings should be used to
encourage healthy older adults to participate in regular physical activity and
to not be discouraged if they are unable or afraid of standing.
Activities such as sit dancing should be encouraged by
practitioners as it may provide a solution to some of the many reasons for lack
of participation in physical activity. Sit dancing could be substituted for
traditional methods of exercise for individuals that do not enjoy ‘exercise’,
lack the confidence and ability for such movements or have a fear of falling.
Creator Marcel Baaijens
Marcel (MSc, M.A.A.E., LVB Cert.) is a professional
dance tutor, choreographer, artist, videographer, art educator and researcher.
He was born in The Netherlands in where he studied architecture and
International Folk Dancing. Later he studied art therapy and art education in
Chicago. he currently lives and works in New Zealand. He is the creator of Sit
Dancing International and developed innovative and inclusive art programmes at
community and tertiary levels. For further information please email
Marcel: marcel.baaijens@gmail.com
