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Dance Your Way to Health and Happiness: Unlocking the Wellness Benefits of Dance

25th April 2024

We all know the benefits of joining a fitness or holistic class to have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, but it’s not often that you come across a form of exercise that is not only good for you, it helps you build confidence and self-expression. In this article, we delve into the profound impact of dance and some tips for bringing more dance into your wellbeing routine.

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Carrie-Louise Horner, Studio Coordinator & Personal Trainer at Goodwood Health & Wellbeing, shares her experience and expertise with dance to help build confidence and balance hormones. With years of experience both as a dancer and a teacher, Carrie brings a unique perspective on how dance has the power to help you feel well, mind and body.

“When I was little my mum put me into dance school and it was probably the best thing for me ever. I was a shy little girl but this was my way of expressing and gaining more confidence. As I grew up It was also something I loved doing to relax and exercise and I progressed into dancing as part of working as an entertainer in various professional shows.”

“Dance to me is everything and when I am feeling stressed I just pop the music on and dance. I find the release of energy and tension in my body through music and movement so powerful.”

The impact that dance has on easing stress and aiding relaxation is backed by science, the British Science Association states ‘Dance has been scientifically proven to reduce levels of cortisol caused by chronic stress. It also causes the brain to release dopamine – a natural mood booster, and endorphins – a natural painkiller. So, although it may seem counterintuitive, this kind of exercise may help you relax!’

Carrie continues, “I love all kinds of dance and they have such different benefits to them. Some styles of dance are safe and structured such as Jazz, Latin and ballroom, street dance and ballet. They help you to improve your coordination, body strength and muscle memory working your entire mind and body.”

“And then there are other styles of dance, such as contemporary, which are a freestyle of dance and open to interpretation. It means that you can’t do it wrong, there are no rules, you can just move freely and express yourself.”

Research into the health benefits of dancing is building pace, as Kimerer L LaMothe PhD explains, 'Reported benefits include not only physical outcomes (building strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance), but emotional (impacting mood, happiness, and resilience) and cognitive (enhancing memory, orientation, and concentration) as well. These benefits span human life and appear across populations, from healthy college students to patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.' 

Carrie goes on to share the positive benefits she has noticed in dance classes at Goodwood Health & Wellbeing, “I have witnessed so much confidence and strength in every single person who has joined me for these sessions. Some amazing work has come through and I am super proud of the group.”

Here are Carrie’s tips to bring more dancing into your everyday.

Start your day with a dance

Dance produces endorphins in the body that make feel happy and good in yourself. It’s a great way to start your day and everyone can do it.

Find a style that works for you

With so many different styles of dance to choose from, it's important to find one that resonates with you. Whether it's the elegance of ballet, the rhythm of salsa, or the energy of hip-hop, selecting a style that you enjoy will make your dance journey more fulfilling and sustainable. Don't be afraid to explore different styles until you find the one that feels right for you.

When you dance you feel free and can release the body or as my dance teacher says, ‘shake your cares away!’

Make your own rules

There are no rules in dance, find music that makes you feel good, whether it's Sandstorm by Darude or Beyoncé, feel the beat, connect with the music, take a breath, clear the mind and just let go. 

Embrace it

Like anything new, learning to dance takes time and patience. It's natural to feel awkward or self-conscious in the beginning, but remember that everyone starts somewhere. Be kind to yourself and embrace the learning process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and focus on the joy of movement rather than perfection.

Find a supportive community

Dance is not just about the movements; it's also about the connections you make with others who share your passion. Seek out dance classes or groups where you feel supported and encouraged by both the instructor and fellow dancers. A positive and inclusive community can make all the difference in your dance experience, providing motivation, inspiration and a sense of belonging. Don't be afraid to reach out and connect with others who share your love for dance—it's a journey best shared with others.

You can explore more dance classes at Goodwood Health & Wellbeing here.