Dance has been a core component of humanity and culture since the beginning of time. Besides the obvious physical benefits that it provides as a form of exercise, its emotional benefits as an art form are expansive and not to be overlooked. However, many people, especially younger generations, do not have access to the opportunities and resources that would allow them to participate in dance and reap the benefits.
Dancing towards better health
Dancing is a unique activity that combines both sport and art. This combination of creativity and movement makes it especially good for the brain.
Dancing triggers the release of dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, and endorphins – all hormones that contribute to positive feelings. Consistent and regular participation in dance also decreases the release of cortisol – the hormone responsible for stress. The surge in these feel-good hormones combined with the reduction in cortisol can help improve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
How does dance act as an emotional outlet?
While other sports also provide these benefits, a defining characteristic of dance is artistic expression, which could contribute to the more positive changes in wellbeing compared to other sports. With dance, the body is the canvas and the actions form the art. To create art with the body, one must become more in tune with it. Doing so can increase confidence and self-esteem as one recognizes and appreciates their ability to move and create.
Art, in general, is a way to communicate messages or feelings that may be too complex or complicated to form into words. Dancing allows people to convey these emotions through movement instead. In a study focusing on the mental and emotional benefits of dance, the participants found joy in being able to express themselves with their bodies in ways words couldn’t.
The opportunity to be creative in any way is priceless – it lets people be and show their authentic selves. Giving people the freedom to be themselves allows space for their self-esteem to flourish. It also enhances their ability to become more in tune with their emotions and the world around them, and to navigate the two simultaneously.
Why street dance?
Street dance styles in particular invite creativity. They incorporate both structured and unstructured movements, leaving room for improvisation and freestyle. The genre’s broadness also allows for a wide variety of actions and combinations.
The current popularity of hip-hop music and culture has given street dance styles more visibility in pop culture, thus creating a greater appeal to young people. Research has shown that these styles especially “activate young people’s love of movement, music, and creativity.” The connection between street dance and other interests could increase engagement from marginalized groups and lower socioeconomic areas, among whom hip-hop is particularly popular.
It is also more accessible and inclusive for these groups. Other dance forms, such as ballet or tap, require specific equipment and clothing (pointe shoes, tap shoes, etc.). Street dance, on the other hand, can be done in casual, comfortable clothing. Buying additional clothing or special shoes would not be necessary to participate in street dance styles. Because of this increased accessibility, it is also less costly.
Street dance and mental health
Mental health and wellness resources are generally less accessible in lower socioeconomic areas. Ironically, these are the areas where they are almost even more important: people living in these areas and conditions are “at greater risk of experiencing very severe and chronic stress-related life events“.
However, in addition to a lack of mental health support, there are also fewer opportunities for people, especially youth, to access dance lessons. While schools sometimes have arts opportunities, they are less common in lower socioeconomic areas due to the costs. In Los Angeles County, for example, where 86% of the students are of color and 67.2% qualify for free or reduced meals, only 24% of schools offer dance as part of an arts education.
Since street dance styles are more accessible and less costly than most other art forms, implementing street dance classes in schools, especially those in lower socioeconomic areas, is a reasonable solution. Dance is currently the least available art form in schools. Adding street dance as part of an arts curriculum would give youth a creative outlet and help them navigate their mental health.
Initiatives focused on expanding access
Although most schools do not offer dance, especially street dance styles, initiatives are working on expanding access. For example, UniverSOUL Hip Hop is an organization that offers not only community hip hop workshops but also partners with school districts throughout California to provide hip hop dance programs to K-12 children as part of their core education.
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