Doya Vibes

Dance is an intrinsic part of the human experience, with its origins traced back to ancient times. It is a form of expression and communication, but more than that, it carries significant physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here’s how dancing can improve happiness according to science.

1. Dance Makes Us Feel Good

Dance is not just about movement; it’s a combination of physical activity, music, and often social connection—all elements that enhance well-being. Humans are naturally wired for rhythm, even as infants, and our instinct to move to music contributes to our happiness. According to a 2017 paper by Julia F. Christensen and her colleagues, dancing can be traced back over 70,000 years. It is ingrained in our biology and culture.

A local initiative in Lincolnshire, U.K., called Dance4Life demonstrated how powerful dance can be in enhancing well-being. The program offered over 30 dance classes to nearly 2,000 participants. After about 8-10 weeks, participants reported improvements in physical health, energy levels, and emotional well-being. Many said it also helped them meet new people and express themselves creatively.

In addition to these immediate effects, the act of dancing is particularly effective in reducing stress. A 2004 study asked students to spend 90 minutes participating in three different activities: African dance, hatha yoga, or a biology lecture. Dance reduced stress and increased positive emotions more than yoga or the lecture did. Another study from the 1980s found similar results—students in dance classes felt more creative, intelligent, motivated, and confident compared to those in sports or academic classes.

Moreover, it is the unique combination of music and movement that sets dance apart from other forms of exercise. In a 2009 study of tango dancers, researchers found that dancing with music significantly reduced cortisol levels (a stress hormone), while dancing with a partner boosted testosterone, leading to feelings of strength and vitality. Whether you’re dancing with a partner or solo, the experience offers a potent emotional lift.

2. Dance Brings Us Closer Together

Dancing fosters social bonds. Whether it’s a slow waltz or an upbeat salsa, the physical touch and movement create a sense of connection with others. Dancing often involves direct physical interaction, such as holding hands or placing your arm around a partner’s waist. This physical closeness can build emotional intimacy.

Research suggests that dancing with others has profound effects on how we feel about them. In a 2016 study, participants took part in a “silent disco” where they danced together in silence, each person wearing headphones with music. Groups who danced in sync with the same moves and beats felt more connected to each other than those who danced differently. Bronwyn Tarr and her coauthors argue that dance may have evolved as a behavior that strengthens social bonds, even between strangers.

Dancing is also a way to connect with cultural heritage and traditions. Indigenous tribes, for example, use dance as an integral part of their identity and community. Professor Sean Asiqłuq Topkok founded an Inupiaq dance group in Alaska to pass down tribal traditions, helping younger generations stay connected with their roots. Similarly, West African dance has been instrumental in helping African Americans reconnect with their cultural history, which was disrupted during the slave trade. Reclaiming traditional dance can offer healing, personal empowerment, and a deeper sense of cultural belonging.

3. Dance Helps with Depression

The therapeutic benefits of dance are significant, especially for mental health. Dance movement therapy, which emerged in the mid-1900s, uses movement as a form of emotional expression and healing. The therapy helps individuals observe and confront their emotions, offering relief from depression, anxiety, trauma, and even chronic pain.

Even outside of formal therapy, dance can alleviate symptoms of depression. In a 2012 study, nearly 100 participants with depression were divided into three groups: one took tango lessons, another meditated, and the third remained on a waitlist. Both tango and meditation helped reduce depression, but tango significantly decreased stress as well. After the study, 97% of participants chose to continue with dance classes over mindfulness meditation.

For women experiencing menopause, a vulnerable time for mental health, dance has proven to be beneficial. A study in China invited women aged 44-55 to participate in square dancing five times a week for three months. They reported lower levels of depression and increased feelings of social connection.

Dance’s impact on depression goes beyond just its physical benefits. In a study of psychiatric patients with depression, one group danced to the upbeat song “Hava Nagila,” another group simply listened to music, and the third group exercised. After a few minutes, the dancers reported increased motivation, strength, and enjoyment, while their levels of depression decreased compared to the other two groups. Dance, particularly when performed in a communal setting, can be a lifeline for individuals navigating tough emotional experiences.

4. Dance Helps Us Stay Young

Dance offers older adults a way to stay physically active, maintain mental sharpness, and improve social connections. Numerous studies show that dancing helps seniors improve balance, flexibility, and coordination while keeping them mentally engaged.

A 2007 study of elderly Brazilians who took ballroom dance classes for a year found that participants felt more confident, elegant, and relaxed. They also noticed improvements in their physical abilities, like better balance and coordination. Through dancing, they could reconnect with their youth and culture, bringing a sense of joy to their lives.

Dance is also beneficial for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s affects movement and balance, often leading to depression. In a 2014 study, patients with Parkinson’s learned different dances, including the Charleston and the Saturday Night Fever routine. After 10 weeks, participants reported more stable moods and fewer feelings of anger. Dance has been shown to help Parkinson’s patients by improving their physical abilities and lifting their spirits.

Similarly, people with dementia and their caregivers can benefit from dance. A 2012 study found that weekly circle dance sessions helped improve quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The patients experienced better moods, energy, and memory, while the caregivers reported feelings of warmth and empathy toward their loved ones. Dance provided a space for caregivers to process grief and loss, while also seeing beyond the diagnosis to the person they were caring for.

Conclusion

Although many of us might feel awkward dancing, the benefits are undeniable. Dance is a natural part of being human, a joyful way to stay physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally connected. Whether you’re dancing alone in your living room or joining a group in a studio, the act of moving your body to music is one of the best things you can do for your health and happiness. So next time you hear your favorite tune, don’t be afraid to get up and dance—your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.