How does dance boost your mental wellbeing?

Recently, dance has been on the rise as an effective form of exercise. From athletes to hospital patients, many people practice dance to work towards a better physical self.

Dance is not only a sport, however – it is an art. It has countless benefits for your mind and soul as well.

Mental Health Benefits of Dance

Mood Management

In the World Health Organization (WHO)’s 2019 report, various studies have confirmed that dance reduces anxiety (stress hormones) and pain, even showing potential in treating depression and reducing intrusive thoughts when continued for longer than 3 months. In fact, dance has been incorporated in rehabilitation programs for soldiers as well as physical therapy patients. If you are feeling down, dance is the perfect way to stabilize your emotions by grooving to your favorite song! Dancing with other people is always a great way to lift your mood, but dancing alone in your room is just as effective.

Communication

According to Worldmetrics.org, dance is widely considered to be a universal means of non-verbal communication due to its width in expressing emotions and narratives. In the past, it has been used for protesting and other social movements. This makes dance an especially powerful tool in connecting with people from all over the world.

Moreover, dance requires you to embody the music without speaking. With only facial expressions, movement, and background music, dancers are challenged to deliver the underlying message in the performance. This helps improve self-awareness and self-expression that further helps you communicate your thoughts and emotions.

Social Health

Visiting dance studios or participating in dance programs is a simple yet effective way to connect with other people. It provides an opportunity to meet new people and socialize with those holding similar interests or goals as you. Even simply performing the same performance with other people can increase a feeling of inclusion and social bonding. In fact, studies have shown that dancers have higher-than-average levels of active genes that control serotonin and vasopressin expression which makes them more social.

Especially for children, dance can be a fun way to learn how to collaborate with their peers. Learning to work together to create something together helps enhance social skills needed in schools, companies, and other public environments.

Self-confidence

According to WHO’s report, interaction with music in general helps improve self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-concept. Being able to control your body movement and utilize it to perform an art piece can be satisfying and rewarding. This leads to increased confidence in your skills as well as reduced reluctance in performing in front of an audience. Becoming confident to express yourself is not only crucial in dancing but in other situations like discussions, speeches, and everyday communication

Creativity

From dance classes that teach you specific choreographies for a set performance to a solitary dance session in your room at 2 AM, there will be a time when dancers create their own choreography. Spontaneously dancing along to a song that doesn’t have an official choreography is one example. Improvising during a performance to modify new dance movements and cover up your mistakes onstage is another example. By challenging yourself to create a sequence of movements that fit the rhythm and style of music, dance promotes critical thinking and creativity in a fun way.

Culture

Hip hop from the U.S., ballet from Russia, and K-POP from Korea – different genres of dance reflect the nation’s culture through unique movements, distinct outfits, and special performance styles. Experiencing certain dance styles, especially traditional forms, helps gain a better understanding of that culture. This can help you connect or reconnect with your cultural identity, and appreciate other cultures at a much deeper level.

Don’t know where to start? 

Dance not only shapes your physical health but also your mental wellbeing. Even if you just had a bad day, dancing is a perfect way to take a break from reality and drown in your favorite music.

But where should you start? 

Search nearby dance studios? Join local dance programs? Watch dance videos online and follow along?

We recommend the last option – to start out small and digital to understand your preferred style and level of dancing. If you are having trouble finding good dance videos, join us in our online dance-along videos! 

Aside from blog posts, we also offer dance videos in the form of online self-paced courses on this website.

Let’s dance ourselves to a healthier and happier tomorrow!