Cultural dance exercise programs can be conducted
in community settings and provide a
source of group cohesion and support as well
as social interaction and enjoyment, all of
which are motivating factors emphasized in
qualitative studies among South Asian immigrants.
Prior dance research interventions
that have incorporated community partnerships,
used an experienced female dance
instructor from the same ethnic community to
lead dance sessions, and included popular,
traditional music selected by the participants
themselves to help foster a sense of comfort
and familiarity in highly sedentary immigrant
and ethnic populations. This enabled participants
to combat acculturative stressors and be
motivated to engage in higher levels of physical
activity.