Dancesport Westside

24/10/2026

Researchers in New York followed hundreds of people in their late 70s and 80s to see which pastimes went with a sharper old age. Among the physical activities, one stood alone, and it wasn't walking.

The Bronx Aging Study, run from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, enrolled 469 people over 75 who had no dementia at the start. Each reported how often they did a long list of leisure activities. Over a median of about five years, 124 developed dementia. Joe Verghese and colleagues published the analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003.

Overall physical activity showed no link with dementia risk. The team checked walking, swimming, cycling, group exercise, climbing stairs and housework one by one, and none reached statistical significance.

Dancing was the exception. People who danced several times a week had about a quarter of the dementia risk of those who rarely danced. That was after adjusting for age, s*x, education, chronic illness, baseline thinking scores and the other activities people did.

# ExerciseYourBrain

19/10/2026

I (Bec) don't usually post a lot of text, or serious things on here. But we had a HUGE weekend, and I think we need to chat about it.

There were 2 comps this weekend, I was working at a theatrical- only event in Wodonga, and the other event was partner styles in Bendigo.
Bendigo had a BIG attendance from DsWs. We ended up with just under 80 people, with 3/4 competing. Ranging in age from 3 to 70yrs, first timers to elite level, amateurs, recreational and disability dancers. Logistical challenges everywhere!

Firstly, I didn't get ANY frantic calls. Not 1. LOVE THAT!
I had progress reports during the day - in text so it didn't interrupt my event - including pics and videos.
These came from people who went to support, from other competitors, and the dancers themselves.

Then the feedback started.
(my first thought was Uh OH!)
Nope.

There were comments about how lovely the Junior and Juveniles were (u16 and U13). Helping each other, cheering for EVERYONE, even taking the 6 and 7yr olds to marshalling when their partner was already on the floor. Fixing each others hair, checking numbers..... the lot. And the pics were GREAT!

And the Over 16s/adults/masters..... the positive feedback kept coming. Cheering, makeup/hair (even when it wasn't supposed to be their job), supporting the disability students -who absolutely SMASHED it! Looking after the partners who were basically on the floor for most of the day, even letting me know about how well the new dancers and new partnerships did.....

I did 750kms and a 10hr work day. And getting info like that, when I wasn't able to be there to keep everyone on track...... Cannot explain how proud I am.

We wont post comp pictures here - we have a private group for members, to protect our kids and teens. If you are already a member, and not part of the group, speak to me or your teacher next time you are in (Easy fix)

If this sounds like something you want to be part of, check us out.
We have classes for all ages and abilities, all paid as you attend.
(We also have kids classes in other styles, and private lessons for kids and adults are available in Lyrical, Contemporary, and Jazz).

14/10/2026

There has been ALOT happening at DSWS recently. So we have not been on social media!
We have been busy in the studio, and out of it.... and are currently preparing for a massive weekend of events in Bendigo.

Want to know what's happening?
Drop in and join a class.
Info is provided to students and their families via a private page..... and THAT gets updated almost daily with what's happening in the studio!

Are you a studio member who isn't in our private group? Talk to your teacher to find out more!

Send a message to learn more

26/08/2026

Medal Day is this Saturday!
That means:
Come along between 10 and 2.30 to watch, cheer and support the dancers
ANNND
New classes start on Monday!
If you have been away/unwell/busy, now is the time to head back in.
Monday Kids/Teens from 5pm, Adults from 7pm
Tuesday Adults from 7pm
Friday Kids/Teens from 5pm

Yes we have other classes each week - Disability classes, Competition and fitness classes, Mature dancer sessions - ask for more info.

Private lessons/bridal sessions by appointment.

21/07/2026

There have been quite a few messages overnight! People wanting to doublecheck the dances for the studio competition this Saturday.
So....

Here is the syllabus again!
If you want to dance, and have not yet spoken to a teacher, let us know ASAP. The beginner events are the perfect starting place for new dancers. And watching the open events allows an opportunity to see how dances like Cha Cha and Waltz develop.

15/07/2026

🧠 The surprising reason your brain loves dancing.

Most people think dancing is all about keeping your body fit.

But your brain might be the biggest winner.

Every time you dance, your brain is working behind the scenes. It’s remembering steps, listening to the music, keeping time with the beat, coordinating your feet, maintaining your balance, and responding to your partner—all at the same time.

That’s a remarkable workout.

🧠 Your brain thrives on:

• Quality sleep

• Learning new skills

• Regular physical activity

• Social interaction

• Music

• Challenge and variety

• Stress relief

Ballroom dancing brings all of these together in one activity.

Learning a new routine creates new neutral connections. Following the music sharpens concentration. Dancing with a partner improves communication and awareness. The movement increases blood flow to the brain, while the enjoyment of dancing helps reduce stress hormones and boosts mood.

It’s one of the few activities that exercises your body, memory, balance, hearing, coordination, and emotions all at once.

That’s why researchers are so interested in dance as a way to support healthy brain ageing. While dancing can’t prevent conditions such as dementia, there is growing evidence that regular physical, mental, and social activity—including dance—can help maintain cognitive function and support overall brain health.

So the next time you’re learning a new routine and thinking,

“I’ll never remember this!”

Smile.

Your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do—learning, adapting, and growing.

Your feet may be making the steps…

But your brain is leading the dance. 💃🕺🧠

07/07/2026

We haven't posted in a while.... its been a little hectic around here!
As we have a private page for studio members, we don't publicly post personal achievements or photos. But this one needs public celebrations.

The World Gay Games were held in Valencia (Spain) last week. We had a crew head over from DsWs, to support our athletes, as well as the other aussie and kiwi dancers. And of course a holiday in Spain.... woohoo!
The kiwi team won the Mens 18+Latin (World title #2 for them) and a silver in American Smooth, while the sydney mens 45+ duo made finals as did the male/female team.
OUR Mens 45+ duo got 2 silvers, 2 5ths, and more importantly, world rankings in Standard and 10Dance! SOOO very proud of them!

If you have ever wondered about adult competition, want to travel and cheer, or wanted to compete yourself...... its time to start dancing. Our mens duo started working towards this comp 12 months ago. Maybe the next trip will include you?

13/06/2026

Ever wondered what the view is like from "up top"?
All ready for Presentation Night.
Dancing away the rain.... perfect place to be!

13/06/2026

Medals are up and running!
(Yes there is an exam happening right there!)
If you want to drop on and watch some great dancing..... head in between now and 2:30!

12/06/2026

Its Medal day! 💃🕺
Time to celebrate the successes of the last term and prepare for brand new classes next week!

If you have not confirmed seats for tonight's Presentation Night, please drop in - we are all a little busy so may not see social media or emails until MUCH later!

And if you want to know about new classes, drop us a line. we WILL reply - just likely not until tomorrow!