I have a love hate relationship with TV. I spend hours watching Discovery and the History channels and through these I’m informed and educated. I also know that sitting still on a couch doing nothing is not good for my body, especially as my work has me sitting still for hours in front of a computer screen.
Now there is a TV program that entertains and works my body. Dance Revolution is a show based on the computer game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Unlike most computer games DDR involves physical activity as players have to step with feet on a special mat in time with music. Apart from being great physical exercise it also trains a sense of rhythm and improves coordination. Both of these have been shown to help increase academic performance and ADHD.
The new TV show will feature kids performing their dance moves in front of judges whilst at the same time encouraging viewers at home to try out the moves. This combination of encouraging a competitive spirit, providing role models (the winning performers) the viewers can aspire to and helping the viewers learn the moves is a powerful combination.
The show seems to be part of a the remarkably sensible Saturday morning line up:
As part of “CBS’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party’s” balanced active lifestyle theme, the block will feature unique animated and live-action interstitials threaded throughout the morning block to promote healthy eating and balanced, active lifestyles for kids. The messages, which will promote nutritious eating habits, will be created in consultation with Baylor College of Medicine’s Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), an internationally renowned institute devoted to pediatric nutrition studies.
Previously on Myomancy: Video Games Are Good For You (If They Involve Movement)