WHAT IS TREKDANCING?
trek [a journey; coordinated forward motion]
dancing [a series of rhythmic and patterned body movements synchronized to music]
Trekdancing is an exhilarating exercise activity that merges walking and dancing through choreographed body movements which have been arranged to carry the trekdancer forward in a mostly continuous fashion and are synchronized to a specific piece of music.
Trekdancing is choreographed with the principal intention of enabling a trekdance to be replicated by others.
This creates opportunities for:
- Groups of people to trekdance in a synchronized, coordinated fashion
- Trekdances to be taught to many people over great periods of time, allowing new participants and seasoned enthusiasts to enjoy trekdancing together fluidly because the choreography is stable
- All trekdancers to learn a library of their favorite choreography, which allows greater enjoyment over time as routines are mastered and become second-nature
Trekdancing is choreographed with the principal intention of enabling a trekdance to be replicated by others.
This creates opportunities for:
- Groups of people to trekdance in a synchronized, coordinated fashion
- Trekdances to be taught to many people over great periods of time, allowing new participants and seasoned enthusiasts to enjoy trekdancing together fluidly because the choreography is stable
- All trekdancers to learn a library of their favorite choreography, which allows greater enjoyment over time as routines are mastered and become second-nature
Trekdancing is performed by individuals and groups to improve emotional, mental and physical wellness.
Trekdancing merges walking and dancing through body movements choreographed to synchronize with a specific song.
Trekdancing is arranged to carry the trekdancer forward in a mostly continuous fashion.
WHO SHOULD TREKDANCE?
If you can move forward, you can trekdance!
People of most ages and any level of experience can learn to trekdance!
Because trekdances are choreographed to specific songs or pieces of music, a great variety of trekdances with faster and slower tempo – or “beats per minute” (bpm) – are available. Difficulty levels from beginner to advanced, with low impact or high impact, mean trekdancing is attainable for most ages and all degrees of experience.
Need to spice up your walk?
Walking is the most popular fitness exercise, in the US and across the world. It has many documented health benefits and is the most flexible form of exercise. If you’re interested in a way to turn your walk into a more exciting, thorough workout, learning to trekdance is the answer!
WHY SHOULD I TREKDANCE?
More than ever, people need both more exercise and emotional release.
We need to both encounter and leave wakes of joy in our communities.
Trekdancing marries the best features of walking and dancing together.
Trekdancing multiplies the awesomeness by incorporating the benefits of synchronized group activity.
Dancing has many well-documented benefits (click below):
- Reduced mortality from heart disease and type 2 diabetes
- Reduced severity of symptoms associated with clinical depression and anxiety
- Decreased sleep disruption
- Increased physical conditioning
- Increased energy levels
- Improved cognitive functions
- Improved motor coordination
- Improved mood and overall sense of well-being
Walking, especially outside, has many well-documented benefits (click below):
- Reduced occurrences of hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes & bad cholesterol
- Reduced severity of symptoms associated with depression and anxiety
- Decreased sleep disruption
- Increased physical conditioning
- Increased energy levels
- Increased diversity of beneficial gut bacteria
- Improved mood and overall sense of well-being
However, this recipe really delivers due to the many documented emotional and mental health benefits of groups dancing together in a synchronized manner (see these articles):
- Alignment of mental states during group dance
- Creation of community and sense of belonging due to group dance
- Community perseverance and solidarity due to shared dance
- Significantly improved pain tolerance after group synchronized dancing
The sense of community and wellness created by group dancing is unsurpassed. The shared experience of rhythmic movement to the same song transports people to a state of joy, acceptance and confidence, significantly improving their mental and physical wellness.
When trekdancing together, we transform from individuals into a wave,
rising and falling in rhythm.
Trekdancers leave wakes of joy in our communities!
HOW DO I LEARN?
Trekdancing is choreographed.
Trekdance routines are developed with the intention of being taught to others.
The innovator behind trekdancing created a program called StrutSauce in order to help teach trekdancing fundamentals to you.
Visit StrutSauce.com to learn more!
In general, there are three skill sets that are needed to learn trekdance routines.
Understanding the “8-count method” of counting dance steps
Understanding the standard structure of most songs
Learning to dance and move forward simultaneously
Safety & Equipment
Trekdancing Etiquette
WHERE CAN I TREKDANCE?
You can trekdance at most of the same locations used by walkers and joggers.
The main requirements are that the trekdancing location is safe and has a level, unobstructed and spacious surface over which a trekdancer can safely travel.
Fresh air, sunlight and natural settings are major features of trekdancing.
Practices and sessions can be scheduled on a whim in one’s neighborhood, nearby park or other convenient and inspiring settings.
Check out the resources below to find a federal, state or local park or facility perfect for trekdancing near you! (click below)
Review the resources below for some important information about safely exercising outdoors. (click below)
While you know your community the most intimately and are the best judge of what you feel is safe for you and your family, we’ve collated some information regarding outdoor fitness safety for your convenience.
Let’s be sources of inspiration in our communities by being great neighbors!
Consider the following etiquette while trekdancing in spaces with other people – whether they are trekdancing themselves or not:
- Be mindful of others in our communities using the space at the same time as you, to walk their dogs, jog, bicycle or otherwise enjoy the outdoors.
- Trekdancers should be respectful and not monopolize spaces commonly used by everyone by ceding to fellow travelers on the path and collapsing group formations to single or double-file as needed.
- Be conscious of your surroundings and avoid sound pollution by using headphones when nearby homes, businesses and citizens could be disturbed by music projected from phones or speakers.
- Respect signage in your community indicating “private property,” restricted access or other limitations. Obey federal and local laws and regulations regarding the use of public property.
- When in doubt, be considerate. If you have cause to suspect trekdancing in a given space may cause disturbance, disruption or invite unwanted attention, use good judgment and choose a more suitable location to trekdance! You have options!