The Virtues Of Dance Therapy On Well-Being
Dance to express yourself, free yourself and (re)connect with yourself and others. Through movement, our metabolism releases tensions, establishes connections, and transcribes emotions. For several years, the body-based therapeutic approach has focused on dance as a means of expression and well-being. What are the mechanisms triggered by our psyche when dancing is practiced? How does dance help with well-being? And how can it have a positive impact on our mental health? Let’s discover the virtues of dance therapy on well-being!
What is dance therapy?
Faced with great joy, our body sometimes expresses itself by clapping our hands, jumping, hugging someone. Faced with sadness, we hold our heads in our hands, we curl up… Body expression and state of mind are closely linked, and the movements we feel the need to make can be as varied as the palette of our emotions.
Dance therapy allows you to rediscover your anatomy, bring up a host of sensations, feelings or thoughts and thereby rehabilitate damaged psychological and/or physical abilities. It is therefore a treatment through a creative approach. Music stimulates the person and, with it, thoughts are lighter, tensions are reduced, the body unwinds and becomes the instrument from which we learn to feel good in our skin and in our head.
No artistic ability or talent is necessary to engage in this therapeutic approach. It is above all work for oneself, even if dance can be practiced within a group and bring a notion of sharing.
For who ? For what ?
There is no age to start dancing. Beyond all its health benefits, it gives us the opportunity to meet other people and above all to have fun!
Dance can be used in therapy for anyone who wishes to improve self-esteem, reduce stress, anxiety, physical tension, etc. Some organizations offering dance as therapy are aimed more specifically at vulnerable people. This may concern isolated people, those who have suffered violence or even those who are facing illness.
Partnerships have also been set up in certain hospitals. It is then a question of supporting these people in their psychological reconstruction (overcoming the difficulties encountered, accepting their body, rediscovering their femininity, etc.) and in their social reintegration.
The Virtues Of Dance Therapy On Well-Being
–Tools and approaches in dance therapy
Dance art therapy therefore combines movement with the mind. Practiced in a group, with or without music, this discipline allows you to:
- develop your active imagination and creativity (via improvisation)
- perceive space, one’s being, the surrounding sounds, and others
- create social bonds, encourage interactions
- express yourself freely through gestures about your personality, your desires, your feelings
- relax, relax your muscles, joints and release tension
- better perceive and understand messages from the body (pain, blockages)
- concentrate and refocus on yourself
- become aware of your body, your breathing
–Dance therapy: physical and emotional well-being through bodily expression
The mechanics of dancing promote the release of endorphins and help reduce stress. On a mental level, this molecule of happiness also strengthens self-affirmation, the rebalance of being, and encourages our capacity for resilience and introspection.
Indeed, on the emotional side, dance therapy allows you to release certain difficult emotions such as anger, the feeling of isolation or frustration. It is of use for acceptance of one’s damaged body, following trauma or pathology. The goal is to find a form of pleasure, exaltation, but above all personal accomplishment to take the path to healing.
Dance therapy provides specific benefits for certain populations, but for everyone, it promotes letting go, reduces the level of anxiety, delays cognitive aging and promotes social bonding. So, ready to get moving?
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I hope you enjoyed this overview of the virtues of dance therapy on well-being and found it useful. Comment down below what you think of this therapy, or share with us your experience if you have already tried it.
Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!
