By Louise RYRIE
“Dance has an incredible way of lifting the human spirit. It’s more than just movement—it’s a form of self-expression, a release, and a connection to both oneself and others. When life feels overwhelming, dance offers an escape, a way to channel emotions that words sometimes can’t capture.” Andrea Walker, Choreographer and Director of Sad Book
There has been a lot of media attention on mental health and wellbeing recently. And rightly so. Whilst it is widely known that dance and exercise release endorphins – naturally occurring mood-lifting chemicals in the brain, numerous studies are revealing the depths of the benefits of dance in particular, forboosting mental and emotional health.
Blochworld.com lists nine ways in which dance can help mental health, including the improvement of memory, sleep and cognitive function. “Dancers hear over and over again to feel their feet in the floor – this is actually a great mental health skill for grounding!”
A report from Middlesex University referenced the Sport and Recreation Alliance, who were joined by Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas to promote “The Social Value of Movement and Dance”.
“Dance activities encourage creativity, self-expression and confidence. Individuals and society can reap the rewards of improved mental health, physical vitality and a stronger sense of unity.” Shirley Ballas
Dancers instinctively know this already, and always have done, even if they haven’t ever acknowledged it as anything more than a subconscious feeling, or sometimes a need to dance. Our bodies were designed to be creative. Was dance – or is it – a safe space for you? A place to be yourself, and lose yourself in the music and the steps? Dance has the unrivalled ability to speak a language of its own. To allow expression of the greatest kind – freedom.
To offer a famous quote from Wayne Sleep: “Dance is fun! It lifts the spirits, strengthens the body and stimulates the mind.”
Scottish Ballet dancers in Schachmatt as part of Twice-Born double bill © Andy Ross
There are numerous ways to engage with dance. As a class participant, recreational or professional. As part of a company, or simply dancing in the living room, or at a party with friends. Studies are incredibly encouraging for older adults and suggest that participating in dance helps slow the ageing process. More specifically, remembering dances strengthens cognitive function. There is also the social impact of being part of a dance group; friendships, interactions, a sense of belonging – important at any age.
The involvement of music with dancing helps improve attention, memory, speech and communication skills, as well as reviving past memories. Time to Dance sessions are run by Scottish Ballet, for those with dementia or memory loss, to develop communication, coordination, expression, creativity – and therefore quality of life. Valerie Cottington, a member of a dance class for older adults said: “If you feel good about yourself, then you can also move better, and your physical health improves as well.”
Experiencing dance as a member of the audience has huge power to alter our emotional and mental state. To rise and fall as they do. To feel joy in the highlights and empathise with the lows. Perhaps a comedic show will provide much needed laughter to uplift you, whilst a thought-provoking production offers distraction from everyday life. Sad Book, adapted by Michael Rosen’s award-winning book, explores important themes of loss and grief on stage.
Sad Book © Josh Brady
“Creating Sad Book was emotional. We were driven by the text and analysed each page, discussing how each one could physically live on stage. I hope anyone who has struggled – or is struggling – with feelings that can’t be put into words, will be touched. During the creative process we were all so vulnerable and truthful to our own experiences of grief and depression – each performer’s experience informed the intention behind each move, whilst staying true to the events of the book and Michael Rosen’s lived experience. It’s one of the hardest pieces of work we’ve ever made, but also one of the most rewarding.” Andrea Walker
At a recent performance of the London premiere of Twice-Born by Scottish Ballet, choreographer Dickson Mbi encouraged audiences to “Come with an open heart and the willingness to go on a journey”. It is joyous and freeing to allow yourself to become absorbed in theatre unfolding in front of you. The chance to disconnect from the world and enter another. The rich score of Twice-Born builds continual atmosphere, from thunder crashes to soaring strings with an underlying beat, and it not only retains the attention, but enfolds one into it as well.
Julia Robert of HUMANHOOD Dance Company is also keen to encourage audiences away from chasing a narrative and speaks of the holistic nature-inspired way she views dance.
“The experiences we offer at HUMANHOOD, through our stage work and dance productions as well as throughout embodied events and movement practice, are an invitation to access one’s own essence. As a society we have often regarded the flesh as something to be ashamed of, or something that needs change, or all together something to be limited. However, we believe the body is the very key, the door, in other words the portal to the infinite intelligence that brought us and keeps us alive. We approach the theatre as a sacred place, like a modern-day temple, where individuals have a shared experience into the wonders of the universe, which are also their own.”
Watching HUMANHOOD’s latest production ∞ (Infinite) – a one-act dance theatre meditation, I was reminded by the dancers onstage how much breath affects movement. It deepens, enhances and gives all movement meaning and purpose, but also joins the entire body in unity; our respiratory, circulatory and muscular systems work in harmony as they were designed to. The meditative score of ∞ (Infinite) was also extremely effective in drawing the audience in, especially with occasional spoken word and instruction over the music; an invitation to think about the “Infinite space contained within the body”.
First Artist Rishan Benjamin in Dickson Mbi’s Twice-Born © Andy Ross
I even found myself breathing with the dancers! Consider deep breathing as a dance in its own right; a workout for the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, refuelling muscles and the brain and allowing us to arrive at a point of simple rest or meditation, resettlement and readiness to move on. Something to try?
“Mentally, dancing helps reduce stress. It also engages the mind, keeping it active and present. This mindfulness effect can be incredibly grounding, especially in times of anxiety or sadness. Ultimately, dance is healing. It gives people permission to feel, express, and to let go. Dance has a unique way of bringing joy, release, and a deep sense of freedom to the mind and heart.” Andrea Walker
Hopefully and surely there is way for everyone to enjoy the mental health benefits of dancing, in our own way, in our own style. Improving life, step by step! In the words of Mary Poppins onstage in Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: “It can mean whatever you want it to mean!” Enjoy.
