What makes us want to dance?

Why is it that we can't help but tap our toes or want to get up and dance when we hear certain songs?

One of 2014's hottest and most upbeat songs was definitely "Happy" by Pharrell. Even if we've heard the song 284,375,928 times on the radio, television, or kids belting it from the backseat of the car, you have to admit that it's a pretty catchy tune and your body just wants to jam out to it.

But there's actually a scientific reason as to why people like to dance to certain songs.

A study by neuroscientists in Denmark showed that certain gaps in the beat of music make our bodies want to fill in the extra space with dance. The rhythm does not necessarily need to complex, but the syncopation of the beats is what kicks our brains into dance mode. In fact, our brains make us want to dance because it predicts the beat of the song.

Other studies have shown that music activates the cerebellum of the brain, the same part that deals with timing and coordination. Even when we're watching someone dance, our brains are trying to predict what the next part of the dance is.

There are other theories that suggest that its simply our biology to have rhythm and want to dance - steady heartbeats, breathing, footsteps, etc.

So, turn on your favorite song, get up, and dance! It's in your nature to do so!

Happy dancing!

Miss Tess

tessc@balletpetite.com