The Multiple Benefits of Dance for Fitness: (Get Tickets for the Nutcracker Ballet December 6th, 2025)

It is the holidays
and fine arts are 
a big part of our wilderness
life. 

Fitness doesn’t have to mean grueling hours in the gym. It can take many different forms—from hiking to dance and everything in between. This is where dance and community engagement may improve your fitness. Why spend hours on a treadmill when you can move, socialize, and support your community at the same time? Dance has been both exercise and cultural expression for as long as humanity has existed. Whether it’s a structured style or something more freeform, it gets the body moving. This year let us enjoy the holidays with the Nutcracker. 

Just about every year I’m in a show that involves some level of partner dancing (I was pretty busy with another show and work and life so my parts were just perfect and for the most part what I requested. These people are awesome! Known some for years.). They also have a need for guys with the ability to do lifts and be part of the performance. Sometimes I think about getting even more involved, because I’m actually not a bad dancer and connected just a touch to a dance company and know people at a couple of studios. 

If you’re interested, you might want to grab a ticket—both nights are almost sold out, and I expect the rest to go within a day or so (I only have a couple of parts Russian style but the show is really nice to watch.).

I stay active in the arts, and dance is one of the practices I return to often. It also helps me stay in shape so I would like to do more (Working hard to get back on the training cycle for fitness so expect more articles.). Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to dance and its role in fitness and community:

1. Cardio benefits similar to running, but without the repetitive movement.

2. Strength and muscle tone, especially for supporting your body through various positions—or lifting a partner.

3. Flexibility, coordination, and balance, much like yoga.

4. Cognitive benefits—dance supports brain development and neuroplasticity.

5. Community and social connection—I’ve met some great people through dance, including a few well-known performers (though I doubt they remember me!).

   

   This is the Kaufman Theater
   Double decker seating.
   Marquette
   We don't build things like this
   anymore.

6. A fitness boost—dance challenges your body in new ways, activating muscles and skills that promote overall growth.

7. A strong complement to other sports, such as kickboxing, polo, or rock climbing, which all rely on complex movement patterns. Martial artists who also engage in dance and yoga have some of the strongest most flexible kicks at different heights, angles and positions. 

If you don't know, I’m a certified yoga and fitness trainer and occasionally take virtual clients. Feel free to send me a message if you’re interested.

A few articles you may want to read, 

Research on Brain Increase with Dance

Dancing in Fitness

Evolutions and Function of Human Dance

Interesting paintings

and pictures on the ceiling.

Old world luxury.

The Nutcracker Ballet:  Clara's Journey Through the Enchanted Forest

“The Nutcracker Ballet: Clara’s Journey Through the Enchanted Forest - The beloved story of Clara and her Nutcracker, as they travel through the land of the Enchanted Forest. The classic holiday tradition, with ballet score by Tchaikovsky, is presented by local dancers and choreographers in the Marquette community.”

Date & Times: 
December 6, 2025 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Location: Kaufman Auditorium

Prices:
Adult:  $17 in advance, $19 at the door
NMU Students/Seniors:  $12 in advance, $14 at the door
Youth (18 & under):  $12 in advance, $14 at the door 

Purchase Tickets