VBDS LIbrary of Instructional DVDs

Our library of instructional DVDs at all levels is now available. The titles and contact info for our Video Librarian have been posted under “Membership” in the main menu, and are available HERE.

Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain!

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Click on the image to open up in Youtube.

Worried About Memory Loss? Pick up your Dancing Shoes!
Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain.

Physical exercise has an anti-aging effect on the hippocampus region of the brain — an area that controls memory, learning and balance. A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience has found dance classes can prevent and reverse some signs of aging in the brain!

The 18- month study looked at seniors with an average age of 68 and placed them in either a group challenged with dance routines or a group challenged with repetitive endurance exercise such as cycling.

The dance routines contained many challenges and changes every session including changes in steps, arm patterns, speeds, choreograph and genres.

The older adults who participated dance exercise experienced an increase in the hippocampus volume as well as an improvement in their balance. This is very significant because the hippocampus is the earliest and most severely affected brain structure in individuals with dementia. It is a brain area that is responsible for not only memory and learning but also for keeping one’s balance.

This study has since generated a lot of popular articles and videos over the past 12 months, but there is one particular video available on YouTube is that is of special interest, since, along with dancers from all over the world, it includes a short clip of some VBDS Members of long-standing. The brief footage of VBDS Members in the YouTube video was taken a number of years ago, in the downstairs Dance Studio at Saanich Commonwealth Place, as part of a pilot for a TV series.

We hope you can share this with your family and friends and spread the good word!
It’s never too late to pick up those dancing shoes!

Volunteers! You’re Our Fuel!

You’re Our Fuel!!

Your Victoria Ballroom Dance Society runs on the energy and dedication of Volunteers… people just like you, people who love to dance and who bring other skills from the rest of their lives. Frankly, we’re a fun bunch!!  Here are a couple of opportunities; come join us!!!

If we’re lucky enough to get your help with our Membership Committee, you’ll be advising your board on ways to enhance the membership’s experience with VBDS. Some of the ways we’ll do that include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with Class Registrations and Ballroom Introductions
  • Devising FUN ways to improve membership retention year to year
  • Updating and maintaining our Membership and contact information list

Interested? You can contact our membership committee at: membership@vbds.org

If you choose to volunteer for the Dance Committee, you’ll be an important part of advising the board on matters relating to FUN!… also known as: dances sponsored by VBDS. As a part of a team, you will have the opportunity to share your ideas and use your creative talents to:

  • help organize the Monthly Dances
  • coordinate the music, and 
  • help organize the next New Year’s Dance

Interested? You can contact our dance committee at: dance@vbds.org