Dance: The Art of Healing
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” - Martha Graham
Dance, at its core, is movement. And so much more! Dance is a powerful form of communication, especially when words fall short. Think about how you can gauge someone’s emotions through facial expressions or body language; dance resonates on that same level. It opens the door to creativity and self-expression, allowing us to connect with ourselves and others, conveying feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken.
The Roots
Throughout history and across the globe, dance has played a vital role in storytelling, cultural and religious ceremonies, and social interaction. It is an expression of our innate desire to move, to connect, and to communicate. Consider how a gentle rocking motion can soothe a child to sleep. As we grow older, we often lose that intuitive sense of movement to calm our minds and bodies. This is where somatic movement, including dance, comes in.
Loosen Up
Somatic dance emphasizes the mind-body connection, offering a holistic approach to wellness. Our bodies house chronic stress, trauma, and unprocessed emotional experiences. Engaging in somatic dance can provide insights that help us process emotions and release what we may be storing in our body. By regulating our nervous system through movement, we can move past natural trauma responses that leave our bodies in a heightened state of arousal, helping us feel more grounded and present. (If you haven’t read Laura’s blog post about Somatic-based Therapy, you should check it out).
The Perks
Somatic dance brings so many wonderful health benefits! Physically, it helps us enjoy a greater range of motion, enhances our flexibility, builds strength, and improves our balance and coordination. Mentally, the advantages are just as impressive—reducing stress, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing our cognitive abilities. Dance encourages our bodies to release endorphins, which uplift our mood and elevate serotonin levels, that feel-good chemical responsible for our overall well-being. Plus, it can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, helping to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression while releasing tension throughout our bodies.
Find What Fits
At UnEarthed, we aim to create a safe space for you to listen to your body and follow its instincts, fostering trust in your intuition. Even dedicating just one hour a week to dance can enhance your mindfulness and act as a form of meditation, whether accompanied by music or not.
During our Therapeutic Dance offerings, we will explore our bodies through both guided and free-form movement. You’re welcome to set your own intentions, though thematic explorations will also be provided. I encourage you to reflect on or journal any thoughts, feelings, and emotions that arise during your dance experience. These insights may be valuable to discuss with your therapist.
Explore More
While the intrinsic therapeutic benefits of dance are profound, it’s worth mentioning that Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) exists as a specialized field focusing on the psychotherapeutic use of movement. DMT promotes the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of individuals. If you are curious about this form of therapy, consider exploring it with a registered or board-certified Dance/Movement Therapist. You can search for qualified professionals through the American Dance Therapy Association’s website.
Next time you feel the urge to move, go ahead and dance! Let yourself enjoy it and notice how it makes you feel. Keep in mind the wise words of Samuel Beckett: “Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.”
For more insights and resources, check out:
