National Adult Literacy Database

July 25, 2011

This week, we have a story written by Sonia Garcha, from Surrey, BC.  Sonia is learning English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society.  She is a student doing ELSA Level 5.  ELSA stands for English Language Services for Adults. The ELSA program provides basic and intermediate level English training for adult newcomers to Canada. ELSA is government-funded and is free to students in BC.

Health and Wellness

by Sonia Garcha

My name is Sonia Garcha. I used to dance in India. I enjoyed dance parties and participated in all my school functions even though I was a math teacher. After coming to Canada, I found that a lot of people have interest in their cultural dance. Due to my interest, I performed voluntarily in temples and for PICS. Due to so much interest, I have started to teach dance in my spare time. Now I am a dance instructor.

Dance is a physical exercise. Regular dancing is great for improving endurance and stamina. Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. It keeps me fi t. If I dance daily, I find myself happier and alive.

I feel fresh after dancing. Dancing is a great way for people of all ages to get and to stay in shape. It helps to maintain good health. You can also reduce your weight by dancing.

In Canada, due to the cold weather, people don’t perspire. That is why they have lots of health problems. If you dance regularly you won’t face these kinds of problems. Because physical activity reduces stress and tension, regular dancing gives an overall sense of well-being.

Dancers are disciplined and dedicated. Exercise can often be boring but dance is an exercise which never bores you. It is a social activity. Dancing provides many opportunities to meet other people. I have made many new friends through my dance lessons. Dancers are admired for their skills and this indeed is very gratifying.

In short, dance keeps you happy and happiness is the key to good health. It keeps you physically, mentally fit and strong. It also helps to gain self confidence and relieves stress. So keep on dancing and have a long healthy life!

[This story was taken with permission, from the ELSA Net Newsletter, Fall 2010, a newsletter published by English Language Services for Adults (ELSA).]