Dance app OnBeat: revolutionizes learning and brain fitness for dancers!

Dance app OnBeat: revolutionizes learning and brain fitness for dancers!

On March 24, 2025, the innovative learning app OnBeat was presented, which is intended to support dancers in improving their sense of rhythm. Developed by the Institute for Training Science and Sports Informatics (ITS) at the German Sport University Cologne, the app receives funding of around 150,000 euros from the EXIST start-up grant. This financial support comes from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and the European Social Fund, which specifically supports students, graduates and scientists with start-up ideas.

The market for dance apps is currently estimated at around 1.5 billion euros, with an impressive annual growth rate of 20 percent. Dr. Ashwin Phatak, the project manager, and co-founder Justus Schlenger have extensive knowledge of sports science, biology and full-stack development - essential knowledge to continuously develop the app.

Technology and application

OnBeat uses a real-time detection algorithm supported by machine learning. This technical foundation allows the app to provide feedback in auditory, visual and tactile forms. The app also integrates elements of gamification to promote learner engagement, which is key for the education sector, particularly schools and dance studios.

So far, ten dance studios have expressed interest in using OnBeat, indicating a potential market of around 1,000 customers. The app also enjoys the support of influencers from the Latin American dance scene, who have a total of more than 600,000 followers. This appeals to a broad target group who are interested in innovative learning methods.

Dance as cognitive therapy

Dance is much more than just physical movement or emotional expression; it represents a complex challenge for the brain and body. A study from Harvard Medical School shows that dancing can improve both physical fitness and cognitive performance. Therefore, dance is also considered a cognitive therapy because it requires skills such as coordination, a sense of rhythm and memory.

Studies show that rhythmic movements stimulate the brain and promote connectivity between different brain regions, leading to better attention and concentration. These benefits are particularly important in the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and depression, where dance can help improve the quality of life of those affected.

The combination of movement, music and social interaction in dance can reduce stress and promote overall well-being. To integrate dance into everyday life, it is recommended to start with simple movements and slowly increase the complexity, for example by taking dance classes or using online tutorials.

Dance therefore has not only cultural but also therapeutic value. OnBeat's potential as an innovative platform could help bring these positive qualities of dance to a wider audience, while at the same time encouraging users' engagement and technical learning curve.

With an advisor board that includes experts such as Univ.-Prof. Dr. Daniel Memmert and Marion Steffen, OnBeat shows that it wants to anchor itself in a broad context of sports science and psychological research. In this way, the learning app could not only improve the users' sense of rhythm, but also make a valuable contribution to promoting health and well-being.

Overall, OnBeat faces the challenge of being successful in the highly competitive environment of dance apps. But with its clear focus on education and state-of-the-art technology, the app has the potential to have a lasting impact on the market and highlight dancing as a valuable resource for the body and mind.

For more information about the role of dance as cognitive therapy, see Intelligent Mind. The comprehensive benefits of dance are explained in detail there.