By Rae Burgess, LPC, LCMHC
Psychology comes from Greek, meaning “the study of the soul.” As counselors, we study psychology to become experts on the psyche. We understand how synaptic pathways and neurotransmitters in the brain influence our emotions and behavior, and we also strive to see the world through your eyes, to appreciate what you value, empathize with your feelings, and help you connect to the things in life that feed your soul. As it turns out, dance is good for your psyche. In the literal sense, it’s good for your brain and body, and in a metaphorical way, it keeps your spirits up.
Research shows that physical activity increases brain health by improving learning, problem-solving, and emotional balance(Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, 2023). Dancing is one of the best forms of exercise and self-care because it gives you a good workout and a good time. Practicing new steps activates the learning center in the brain, while moving with the rhythm and music releases reward chemicals that enhance mood and relaxation. And because it’s fun, it’s easier to sustain as an exercise routine. Social dancing is not only a way to increase body movement and learn a new skill, it provides the added benefit of interaction with others.
Social dancing, in groups or pairs, offers an experience of real connection and growth. Humans have evolved an amazing capacity for attachment and relationship building, and we all have a strong need for belonging. Our brains crave oxytocin, a hormone that bonds people together and reduces stress levels (Biggers & Santos-Longhurst, 2018). The most effective way to increase oxytocin is through touch and eye contact, which is why social media doesn’t actually meet any of our social needs. It’s the equivalent of binging on junk food, when what we really need is the nourishment we get from face-to-face, eye-to-eye interactions. Dancing with a partner involves physical, emotional, and social engagement, which means you can take care of your mind, body, and spirit at the same time. It’s dance therapy!
If you want to do your psyche some good, you can join group classes and social dances at Sapphire Ballroom in downtown Christiansburg. There’s a Beginner Workshop every Friday 7-8 PM. Summer Road Trip Dance is coming up on July 8.
Swinging on the New is Sunday, August 13th 4-6:30 PM. Counseling Connect, PLLC will be there to promote the mental and physical health benefits of social dancing.
If you need additional therapy, Counseling Connect can help. We provide mental health and wellness services for the New River Valley. For information and appointments, call 540-315-1445 or visit www.counseling-connect.com.
To learn more about programs at Sapphire Ballroom, call 540-382-8782 or email info@SapphireDance.com.
You can see all of their upcoming events on the website: http://www.sapphiredance.com/GroupLessons.php?fbclid=IwAR0T0GrkmZbe6SFNmjqFAMempuoeLv248ohyaL-VyW_AVrrPDxkYXY0iEow
Center for Disease Control. (2023). Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health.https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/physical-activity-brain-health/index.html
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Adrienne Santos-Longhurst on August 30, 2018. Why Is Oxytocin Known As the Love Hormone?https://www.healthline.com/health/love-hormoneAre