Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
by John J. Ratey, MD, with Eric Hagerman
Little, Brown and Company
In a nutshell: A valuable tool for educators looking to establish a dance or fitness program in an academic setting.
To illuminate the crucial link between exercise and brain function, Dr. John Ratey, associate professor at Harvard Medical School, brings together 10 chapters of research and case studies in this well-researched book. He specifically recommends activities (like dance) that challenge the cardiovascular system and improve cognitive function: “Studies of dancers, for example, show that moving to an irregular rhythm versus a regular one improves brain plasticity.” He also notes that the social aspect of partner dancing adds an additional beneficial challenge, as exercise can alleviate anxiety, stress and depression. But what will most hit home with dance educators is Ratey’s documentation of the incredible academic achievements of students in Naperville, Illinois, and Titusville, Pennsylvania, after innovative and extensive physical education programs were implemented into their school districts.
—Caitlin Sims
Zumbatomic: Get the Flow
by Zumba Fitness, LLC
In a nutshell: A complete Latin-rhythms workout for children ages 5 to 11.
The latest addition to the acclaimed Zumba fitness programs, the Zumbatomic DVD Collection, was created to help combat the growing obesity epidemic among children. This three-DVD box set is packed with 90 minutes of calorie-burning traditional Latin and contemporary style fitness and dance exercises, like hip hop, reggaeton, salsa, mambo, Bhangra, belly dancing, samba and merengue. Instructor Gina Grant integrates character-based story lines into each workout to encourage coordination, discipline, confidence and teamwork. This collection also comes with an upbeat soundtrack CD and read-a-long comic book.
—Jenny Thompson
HOPSDance With Tyce Diorio and Krista Saab: Volume 1
by Michèle Assaf
Tezoro Productions and HOPSports, Inc.
In a nutshell: A fun, high-energy instructional dance DVD for young students.
In this 60-minute program, Tyce Diorio and Krista Saab introduce beginners to the fundamentals of several dance styles, including 1950s theater dance, hip hop, Latin and jazz. The energetic instructors make following along easy by demonstrating each combination and across-the-floor exercise on HOPSports mats. (While these mats are not necessary to learn the choreography, they will provide structure and help children develop spatial awareness.) The DVD’s well-paced progression enables young dancers to gain confidence before moving on to the performance-level section. To further promote creativity, teachers can ask students to create their own dances with the learned movements. This DVD will have kids up and moving, no matter their experience level.
—JT
