Blochworld.com<\/em> lists nine ways in which dance can help mental health, including the improvement of memory, sleep and cognitive function. \u201cDancers hear over and over again to feel their feet in the floor \u2013 this is actually a great mental health skill for grounding!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n A report from Middlesex University referenced the Sport and Recreation Alliance, who were joined by Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas to promote \u201cThe Social Value of Movement and Dance\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cDance 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.\u201d Shirley Ballas<\/p>\n Dancers instinctively know this already, and always have done, even if they haven\u2019t 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 \u2013 freedom.<\/p>\n To offer a famous quote from Wayne Sleep: \u201cDance is fun! It lifts the spirits, strengthens the body and stimulates the mind.\u201d<\/p>\n Scottish Ballet dancers in Schachmatt<\/em> as part of Twice-Born double bill \u00a9 Andy Ross<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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,<\/strong> for those with dementia or memory loss, to develop communication, coordination, expression, creativity \u2013 and therefore quality of life. Valerie Cottington, a member of a dance class for older adults said: \u201cIf you feel good about yourself, then you can also move better, and your physical health improves as well.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s award-winning book, explores important themes of loss and grief on stage.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.danceforyou-magazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Scottish-Ballet-dancers-in-Schachmatt-as-part-of-Twice-Born-double-bill.-Credit-Andy-Ross-1-scaled.jpg\")
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