Dance is an integral part of the human experience. Babies often learn to wiggle to music before they can walk. There are dance styles that are specific to all cultures and it’s a way of expression that has always been used! But do we really know all of its benefits?
While the month of January each year provides an opportunity to demystify mental health, there is a need to acknowledge dance as the solution to many social problems.
At Prima Danse we have been using dance as a tool of social intervention for more than ten years to help people, especially those from vulnerable populations, feel better physically but also mentally.
A no-brainer
The mental health of children and young people is more vulnerable than ever. The context of the pandemic has only exacerbated the realities that already exist throughout Quebec. Performance anxiety, inactivity and increased screen time, psychological distress and low self-esteem are part of the daily lives of many young Quebecers. Dance is an extraordinary tool to help them overcome these challenges! By dancing with their peers in a fun and nonjudgmental way with trusted speakers, they can develop many skills and open up to others.
This gives Prima Danse staff a front row seat to seeing the benefits of dance for children and young people during workshops in schools or communities.
Dance enables young people to work on different aspects of themselves, such as self-affirmation and acceptance of others, open-mindedness and the development of critical thinking. Because it is a non-verbal language directly related to dealing with emotions, introspection makes it possible to highlight negative or positive feelings through music and movement.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to discuss a variety of social issues as a group, such as: B. Gender stereotypes, the portrayal of sexuality in the media, social inclusion, racism, homophobia, violence prevention and awareness of bullying.
aging while dancing
Dancing has a thousand and one benefits for adults too, especially seniors. Obviously, this practice allows them to exercise, which is a key part of keeping them active and independent, but it’s also a great socialization tool. Dance makes it possible to break through the isolation that all too often leads to mental health problems by offering a unique opportunity to connect with others while developing new bonds of belonging through music, rhythm and the body.
Finding the right words to express our emotions, our loneliness or our sorrows is not easy. Letting our bodies do the talking can be more effective, and everyone should have the opportunity.
As the need for intervention grows and access to resources is limited, we should consider the various alternatives that are available to us. In a world where we no longer have time to take our time, together we embrace diverse initiatives that develop communities and enable young and old to be both physically and mentally healthier. And to face the music, let’s dance, both the happiest and the saddest!
Photo courtesy of Motus Créatif
Katrina Journeau, Co-founder of Prima Danse