Embracing Joy Through Motion

How do you define movement? Is it your ability to travel freely? At every given moment, people all over the globe are moving. Movement is not just how you get from one place to another, but it is also a meaningful form of expression. 

Dance naturally boosts your mood by combining physical movement and music to release feelings of joy. Not only does dancing improve physical health, but it is also beneficial to mental health. This encouragement of movement releases specific hormones—including dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—causing energy levels to rise. But, how exactly are these feelings expressed? 

Found in various cultures around the world, dancing has been prevalent throughout history. Cave paintings in ancient India dating back to 8000 BCE reveal some of dance’s earliest history. In many different traditions, dance can often be connected back to religion, entertainment, and forms of self expression. 

There are five main aspects to dance that allow expressions to be painted naturally: the body, action, space, time, and energy. The body acts as the dancer's main instrument of movement while the action corresponds to how the dancer wants the audience to perceive said movement. Speed and frequency play a major role in displaying appropriate action depending on the choreography. Space, time, and energy provide a rhythm and sense of fulfillment, making dance an enjoyable sport to observe. Space can be measured as how expansively a dancer wants to express themselves; dancers may incorporate large spaces to show more emotions in their work of art. On the other hand, time and energy provide a framework for dancers, allowing them to conjure a passionate choreography that tells a story. The energy that dancers put into their work displays their intent with each emotion. Some dancers may incorporate light movements to display delicacy, while others may move in stronger strides to convey power and tension. Time instructs a dance’s tempo and rhythm. Depending on their energy, some dances incorporate faster beats and rapid movements to express feelings of shock or panic. Others may have more “flowy” rhythms to portray a serene space and a more tranquil environment.

A significant hormone that yields positive emotions through dance is dopamine—a natural mood booster released by neurons. When an individual is dancing, they have feelings of pleasure and motivation. Dopamine can also be released when exercising, fulfilling your body’s sleep requirement, or engaging in meditation. Serotonin—a natural body chemical produced in neurons originating in the raphe nuclei located in the midline of the brainstem—is beneficial in improving one’s mood and fighting off depression. Serotonin regulates many activities, including a person’s attitude and memory. Cortisol levels due to increased stress also decrease when dancing, providing a memorable dancing experience. Music and rhythm also play a crucial part in triggering the release of these chemicals. For instance, listening to your favorite song may trigger dopamine release and enhance your mood. Similarly, endorphins are neurotransmitters also released while dancing that act like natural painkillers and relieve stress. While dancing or engaging in any pleasurable act, your body naturally reacts by producing Oxytocin. Oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” strengthens emotional connections and plays a prominent role when humans dance with others in a social setting. Dancing also tackles cognition, leading to better memory; creating and remembering choreography encourages brain health and boosts overall cognitive processing.

Movement reduces stress, improves physical health, and naturally increases energy and mood levels. Incorporating dance into your life helps you gain more control over your body, since all your muscles are involved in the movement. Music enhances a person’s emotional well-being by stimulating positive emotions and promoting relaxed feelings. On a deeper level, social connections through dance can help build friendships and encourage teamwork. Dancing is a form of emotional expression through movement that boosts overall confidence. As a popular form of art, dance also conveys a sense of change and development by incorporating emotion into movement. Additionally, dancing in sync with other performers emphasizes a sense of community and connection between dancers, uniting their steps in choreography. The body starts to see physical changes as people continue to dance, engaging in movements that are beneficial to their health. Dance is open to all ages and present in many forms: ballroom dancing, tap dancing, freestyle, jazz, and so many more. Dance is never restricted. Anyone can get together and dance anywhere at any given time, whether it be at school, a dance competition, or at a casual hangout. Since movement is both a fundamental form of expression and a healthy outlet for your mind and body, have you ever considered trying dance as a way to express your interests and ideas?