You can’t blink without seeing pink these days, and that’s a GOOD thing, now that National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing.  Every October, organizations work hard to spread the word about the disease that afflicts one in eight American women, and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.  Still, there are more than 3.3 million breast cancer survivors living in the U.S., and many of them are finding increased vibrancy, better health, and a positive outlook through the joys of ballroom dancing.

Studies show dance has a restorative quality for breast cancer survivors, and can boost energy for a patient during her recovery.  Besides, what makes a woman feel more feminine than being led on the dance floor by a partner she trusts?

Watch “Dancing With the Survivors” to see for yourself!

Some recent studies indicate dancing can be healing for a woman recovering from breast cancer treatment, and in ways you might not expect.  Women sometimes report feeling alone and less feminine or attractive following surgery.  Oftentimes, cancer treatments can cause a woman to lose her hair or notice other changes in her body.

Researchers at the University of Alabama Birmingham conducted a study to see whether ballroom dance actually improves the quality of life of breast cancer survivors and their partners.  They reported what they discovered in the January 2017 edition of the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.  Some key findings:

• Survivors saw light-intensity ballroom dance as a way to ease back into physical activity
• Couples enjoyed the opportunity to spend time and exercise together
• Survivors experienced positive mental attitudes that improved their quality of life
• Couples reported an increase in trust levels

Ballroom dancing also increases socialization for women who may have felt isolated during the various stages of their treatment and recovery.  It helps survivors get back into the swing of an active lifestyle and can even improve their intimacy with their partner.

Moving her feet in rhythm with a partner may be just the remedy a breast cancer survivor needs to get the rest of her life back in step.  She will see many other health benefits as well, including improved heart and lung function, stronger bones, and a boost in calorie burn.

All of this leads to an improved quality of life for breast cancer patients– and what better month to discover that than October?

It’s the perfect time to honor a survivor by scheduling a class, either for her, or with her!  Simply visit, call, or check out fredastaire.com.