Dancing brings some amazing benefits to every dancer… you probably wondered why dancers always have a smile and are happy people… it’s because they are reaping the rewards of dancing! Let’s explore some of the medical benefits of dance…
Dance vs. Depression: Better Than Medication
Recent groundbreaking research has shown that dancing might be one of the most effective ways of treating depression – even more effective than medication [1]. A major study published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) in 2024 found that almost all the types of exercise featured in the research saw better results than either serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the medication most commonly used to treat depression.
The study, which analyzed 218 trials with over 14,000 participants, discovered that in the list of most effective treatments, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) came third, after dancing and walking or jogging. Furthermore, dance in particular saw particularly good outcomes, possibly because of the social element.
A 2024 University of Sydney study published in Sports Medicine found that undertaking structured dance of any genre is generally equal and occasionally more effective than other types of physical activity interventions for improving a range of psychological and cognitive outcomes [2].
Impact on Dementia and Cognitive Function
Dance shows remarkable promise in preventing and managing dementia:
- A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine involving 469 people over age 75 found that “dancing was the only physical activity associated with a lower risk of dementia” [3].
- Research from BMC Geriatrics (2023) on older adults with mild cognitive impairment reported that dance therapy was effective in improving global cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, language, and mental health (i.e., depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms) [4].
- Scientists gave little thought to the neurological effects of dance until relatively recently, when researchers began to investigate the complex mental coordination that dance requires [5].
- Harvard Medical School notes that studies using PET imaging have identified regions of the brain that contribute to dance learning and performance [5].
Fall Prevention and Balance in Older Adults
Dance significantly improves balance and reduces fall risk:
- A systematic review found that Senior Dance was effective in improving balance and mobility in community-dwelling older people [6].
- Small-scale randomised controlled trials have indicated that diverse dance styles can improve measures of balance and mobility in older people [7].
- The BMJ study noted that dance has the potential to address a much wider range of fall risk factors than balance training alone due to its synergetic sensorimotor, rhythmical and cognitive demands.
Overall Happiness and Well-being
Multiple studies confirm that dancers are indeed happier than the general population:
- A new study out of Australia confirms what we probably already knew: People who dance and go to concerts regularly are pretty happy [8]. The Deakin University study analyzed 1,000 interviews with randomly chosen Australian citizens and found significant correlations.
- These Australian researchers interviewed 1,000 people and found that often those who were dancing not only reported feeling happier, but also more satisfied with their lives, especially in relationships, health, and the goals achieved over the years [9].
- Numerous studies show that dancing can significantly increase serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer associated with happiness and reduced anxiety
Why Lindy Hop is Particularly Beneficial
Lindy Hop offers unique advantages as a therapeutic dance form:
- Musical Interpretation: Unlike many structured dances, Lindy Hop emphasizes improvisation and musical interpretation, providing constant cognitive stimulation.
- Social Connection: “It’s that active engagement that seems to be critical,” she says. “People who intentionally interact with music, they’re using an outlet to express their emotions” [8].
- Physical Challenge: The combination of 8-count and 6-count patterns, swingouts, and varied tempos provides comprehensive physical exercise.
- Joy Factor: The inherent playfulness and joy in Lindy Hop, as established by Frankie Manning’s approach, creates a particularly positive emotional experience.
- Community: The strong community aspect of Lindy Hop provides ongoing social support, which is crucial for mental health
Additional Benefits
- A recent study found that dancing can lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease even more than walking.
- Researchers in Sweden found that teenage girls who attend weekly dance classes have higher self-esteem and improved mental health. These benefits often lasted for many months! [10].
- Dance movement therapy and physical exercise on older adults with mild dementia showed positive changes favoring DMT over exercise in terms of reduced depression, loneliness, and BPSD, and improved mood, backward digit span, verbal fluency, and IADL [11].
Medical Recommendations
Based on this research, there seems to be a strong argument now for clinicians to start prescribing exercise rather than medication for people with mild-to-moderate depression [1]. The evidence suggests that dance, particularly social partner dances like Lindy Hop, should be considered as a primary intervention for:
- Depression and anxiety
- Dementia prevention
- Fall prevention in older adults
- Overall mental and physical well-being
The research overwhelmingly supports that dance—and particularly joyful, social, improvisational dances like Lindy Hop—offers a powerful, enjoyable, and effective approach to maintaining and improving both mental and physical health across all age groups.
References
[1] New Evidence for Dance as a Depression Treatment.
[2] The effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults without musculoskeletal disorders: An integrative review and meta-analysis – ScienceDirect
[3] Fall Prevention: Balance and Strength Exercises for Older Adults | Johns Hopkins Medicine
[4] Can Dancing Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease? – Bethesda Health Group
[5] What research evidence is there that dance movement therapy improves the health and wellbeing of older adults with dementia? A systematic review and descriptive narrative summary – ScienceDirect.
[6] Social Dancing and Incidence of Falls in Older Adults: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial | PLOS Medicine
[7] Dance movement therapy and falls prevention – ScienceDirect
[8] Science Confirms that Dancing Makes You Happy! | Townsville Academy of Performing Arts
[9] Why dancing makes you happier – and smarter | Peter Lovatt – Dr Dance
[10] Why People Who Dance Are Happier, Healthier & Smarter
[11] Can social dancing prevent falls in older adults? a protocol of the Dance, Aging, Cognition, Economics (DAnCE) fall prevention randomised controlled trial | BMC Public Health | Full Text