Art in Focus: Tango and the Dancing Brain Something remarkable is happening at the Southbury Senior Center. Twice a week, residents are doing the Argentine tango — and according to emerging research, they may be doing their brains a tremendous favor. Instructors Dardo Galletto and Alonso Guzman lead the classes, and their students are enthusiastic converts. Participant Barbara Deysson puts it simply: "When I dance, my brain is totally relaxed." Fellow dancer Eric Olson describes something more physical: "There is a stimulus from the outside to your feet to your brain." That feeling has science behind it. A 2024 study in the Journal of Personalized Medicine found that dancing more than once a week may reduce dementia risk by as much as 76%. Researchers point to tango specifically as a rich cognitive workout — it combines physical movement, balance, music, sensory awareness, and social connection all at once. Dr. Robert Roose of Trinity Health Of New England notes that dance engages multiple brain systems simultaneously, strengthening both body and mind. The social dimension matters too. Dr. Ana Vives-Rodriguez of the Yale School of Medicine is direct about it: "We know that people who stay at home or are socially isolated have a higher risk of dementia." Student Jan Brill echoes this from the dance floor, describing tango as an exercise in presence, focus, and attunement to a partner. All of this was recently explored in a Hearst Connecticut Media piece by Tracey O'Shaughnessy, "Yale expert explains why doing the tango may lower your dementia risk," which spotlighted the Southbury Senior Center classes and the growing body of research connecting dance, music, and social engagement to brain health. Art and culture, it turns out, may be among our best medicines.

Shared by David Walsh, local artist: “Just over two months ago, I attended a commemorative event hosted by Ed Edelson to honor the 1937 stand against the Nazi camp in Southbury. At this event, I presented a painting to the South Britain Congregational Church in recognition of their courageous decision to oppose the Nazis’ attempt to establish a training camp in Southbury. This painting was created to highlight a significant moment in Southbury’s history that nearly faded from memory. Rabbi Polokoff attended this event and expressed his appreciation for the painting, even jokingly asking if I could create one for him. After a few weeks, I met with the Rabbi, received a grand tour of the Southbury Temple, and took many pictures to create a painting for the temple. After about a month of painting, I completed it. With the Rabbi’s help, I made any necessary changes and picked out the frame. It is now hanging in his office at the Southbury Temple. Seeing my work displayed there fills me with pride, as it represents both my artistic journey and the trust placed in me by the Rabbi. Creating this piece of artwork was truly an honor and a pleasure, as it allowed me to contribute to a place of meaning and community.” Our work involves assisting, advising, educating, and driving local action in our town, businesses and community.