Dance as a viable alternative to sport: Effects of traditional dances on the health and fitness of Zimbabwean women

Abstract

Dance is corporeal in nature and as such it is a physical art within the domains of anatomy, biomechanics, health, physics and physiology. Dance helps participants develop physical fitness and thus shares many of the health benefits of other sporting events. However in spite of this realization the uptake and adoption of traditional dance is not being prioritized in Zimbabwe. The situation on the ground seems to suggest that the rate of participation in traditional dance has gone down from historical times. This paper discusses the potential and positive effects of traditional dance on the health and fitness of Zimbabwean women. The study uses a mixed method approach and collected data through the use of a battery of tests and interviews. The findings and recommendations provided are expected to encourage Zimbabwean women to appreciate traditional dance as an alternative to organized sport and physical activity. The results indicate that Zimbabwean traditional dances do contribute to the health and fitness of Zimbabwean women. This study recommends that traditional dances should not be trivialized and the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture should invest in the promotion of traditional dances in order to complement sport and enhance the health and fitness of Zimbabwean women.