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Int'l Dance Day: Medical experts highlight mental health benefits of dance

"Dance, a pleasurable activity engaging diverse brain regions in synchronised action, transcends the benefits of mere physical exercise by incorporating rhythm, discipline, and coordination," states Dr Shobha N, consultant neurologist and stroke physician at Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram in Bengaluru.  Underscoring its wider importance, Dr Deepak Patkar, director of medical services at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, adds that for centuries, dancing has served not only as an artistic outlet but also as a scientifically validated intervention for emotional and psychological wellness.Dr Shobha further elaborates, "Dancing to music triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine (the reward hormone) and oxytocin (the bonding hormone). Additionally, endorphins, the body's natural analgesics released during physical activity, elevate mood, foster well-being, and alleviate anxiety and depression. Notably, dance as a therapeutic modality has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the stress-related 'fight or flight' hormone."  Especially pertinent given today's widespread mental health challenges across all demographics, dance stands out as a unique pursuit, seamlessly integrating physical movement with community engagement and an artistic pathway for personal expression.  Every year International Dance Day is observed on April 29 around the world to celebrate the joy of the activity. While it brings happiness to many, Indian health experts dive into the multifaceted influence of dance on mental well-being. Dance and brain functionDancing is a multisensory activity that demands coordination, memory, spatial awareness, and responsiveness. Several scientific studies, focusing on neuroscientific perspectives of dance, highlight that nearly the entire brain is activated during this complex physical activity. “This includes areas responsible for decision-making, memory, emotional control, and motor planning. The act of moving rhythmically in a structured environment forces the brain into high-level multitasking, creating neuroplastic adaptations—essentially improving how the brain handles stress and processes emotion. In simpler terms, dancing doesn’t just involve the body; it trains the mind to process, adapt, and learn more efficiently,” describes Dr Deepak. Emotional regulation and expressionDancing has also been observed to improve personal emotional health. Observational studies have shown that individuals who even participate in a one-day workshop of dance, find measurable improvement in their emotional health. “More often than not, individuals who partake in dancing as a social activity, with a group of other community members, experienced heightened ability to identify, articulate, and release emotions. We know now that movement-based therapies help in processing repressed emotions and dancing, especially in adolescents who may lack verbal fluency for emotional articulation, may be a tool for their overall personality building and development,” he explains. Neurochemically, dance stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine—hormones associated with pleasure, focus and learning. This contributes to both short-term mood enhancement and long-term emotional resilience. Self-confidence and self-worthDance also helps in boosting self-confidence, especially when an individual achieves specific dance goals. Dr Deepak cautions, “All that needs to be ensured that it doesn’t become competitive and remains as a form of expression. Otherwise, competitive dance environments—especially with individuals of different skill levels, may pose risks to self-esteem, particularly when dancers have unrealistic body standards or experience authoritarian instructors.” The environment in which dance is taught significantly affects its psychological impact. Programmes promoting autonomy, creativity, and inclusivity yield better outcomes than those focused solely on performance metrics or conformity. Dance movement therapyBeyond the activity, there are also therapeutic applications of dance. Dr Shobha highlights the significant role of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) as a well-recognised form of psychotherapy. "Dance Movement Therapy is indeed a well-established form of psychotherapy. It proves beneficial in addressing various mental health disorders. The core techniques we commonly employ in DMT include a focus on body movement itself, the use of props, an awareness of space, the exploration of memory through movement, the integration of imagery and movement, and activities involving group coordination,” she states. The Bengaluru-based doctor elaborates on the specific benefits of DMT for different conditions. She explains, "For individuals grappling with depression and anxiety, DMT aids in enhancing self-awareness and restoring a sense of inner balance. In the context of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, it plays a crucial role in improving social interaction. Through DMT, individuals can develop essential social skills such as turn-taking, imitation, and cooperation.” The physician further noted the effectiveness of dance-based interventions for eating disorders and substance abuse. She says, “Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa can be effectively treated with dance therapy. Patients with substance abuse disorders also benefit from this therapy. It helps in the identification of triggers and behavior patterns. Group sessions reduce feelings of isolation during recovery. In patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, dance therapy fosters self-awareness and social integration. Patients with dementia benefit from the formation of new neural connections with this treatment.” The expert, who is also a neurologist, even emphasises that the benefits extend beyond formal therapy to encompass various forms of dance. She highlights, “It's important to recognise that both professional and casual engagement with dance offer mental wellness benefits. Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Odissi, among others, have demonstrated significant effectiveness for overall health and well-being.”  She further explains, “These forms integrate the mind, body, and spirit, leading to a state of consonance. The 'abhinayas' and 'mudras' within these traditions aid in conveying innermost feelings and facilitate emotional release. Other dance styles, such as Salsa and ecstatic dance, also provide numerous health advantages. Practices like Tai Chi, yogic postures, aerobic movements, and hip hop contribute to improved balance and coordination, while ballet, jazz, and line dancing enhance focus and concentration,” she observes. Finally, Dr Shobha highlights the social and emotional advantages of dancing with others. “Engaging in dance with a partner or within a group fosters interpersonal coordination, bonding, harmony, and overall social well-being. It also induces a calming effect and helps to reduce feelings of loneliness. Dance transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to connect. This naturally promotes inclusiveness," she proposes. Stress, adaptation, and mental resilienceMental health is not a fixed state of mind but an ever-changing interaction between triggers and the individual's coping ability. Dr Deepak further shares, “The triggers can be situational, economic, interpersonal, or cultural stressors. Dance, especially when taught in supportive settings as coping mechanisms, has been shown to help individuals build their self-protective psychological qualities—such as emotional flexibility, social connection, and self-regulation—which enhance their capacity to adapt to life stressors.” Some studies show that individuals report not only reduced stress after the workshop, but also a greater sense of control and clarity over personal challenges. These outcomes reflect a shift from merely feeling better to becoming more mentally resilient. In India, where awareness around mental health is still developing and evolving, including dance into cultural events of school and colleges could offer a socially acceptable and scientifically proven approach to the well-being of youngsters, according to Dr Deepak. “Considering the high levels of academic and social stress among adolescents, dance can serve as a preventive tool—especially as a part of educational or community programs designed for inclusivity,” he shares. However, it is important to understand that the benefits of dance are not automatic. It is only one of many tools, alongside teaching environment, focus of the curriculum, and socio-cultural context of all activities. “Though the evidence is clear that dance can positively impact mental health by enhancing cognitive function, regulating emotion, building self-confidence, and fostering resilience, the Mumbai doctor says it is necessary to practice it in supportive and non-exploitative settings. “As we continue to look for cost-effective, culturally relevant approaches to mental well-being, dance can be one key research-backed avenue worth investing in,” he concludes.