Rhythms of Joy: Healing and Unlocking Happiness Through the Art of Dance.

March 30, 2024

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By

Sandy Mora

Introduction

Imagine a world where your every emotion, your deepest griefs, and highest joys, could be expressed without uttering a single word. For me, that world has always been encapsulated in the art of dance. From the tender steps of ballet when I was 5, moving through jazz, hip hop, and Mexican folk in my teenage years, Zumba later on, and the lively rhythms of salsa nowadays, dance has always been my haven, my voice in the silence, and my unspoken narrative and authentic self-expression. Even if I don’t practice it professionally and I’ve been away and back at different times in my life, this art form, extending beyond mere physical exercise, has been a therapeutic coping mechanism, guiding me through life's tumultuous waves. It was here, amidst the music, singing, and movement, that I could throw away my rational, perfectionist, structured, controlling mask and found my flow, my authentic self, joyously untethered and fully alive. Today, I share with you the profound impact dance holds in nurturing mental health, well-being, and unfettered joy.

A Dance Through Time

Dance is likely as old as humanity itself. Together with music and chanting, it transcends cultures and periods because it taps into fundamental human needs. It's a social glue, bringing people together for celebration, connection, and storytelling. The emotional release and physical exertion inherent in dance can be deeply satisfying, and the rhythmic movements may connect us to something larger than ourselves, fostering a spiritual dimension. Dance is a powerful language, expressing joy, grief, and everything in between, making it an irreplaceable part of the human experience.

The Therapeutic Power of Dance

Dance therapy, recognized as a potent expressive therapy, transcends traditional verbal communication, allowing emotions and stories to flow through movement.

My journey into this realization and its embrace came at a time when words fell short. During the darkest days, when my 2-year-old son lay in intensive care with terminal kidney failure and my first marriage crumbled into dust, dance became my solace, my therapy. It was in the fluid movements of salsa that I found distraction, but also strength, resilience, and, ultimately, a path back to joy and happiness.  Later on, during COVID and lock down, I embarked twice a week on online sessions of a dance therapy technique called “Journey Dance”, created by Tony Bargins, which is a structured pathway through emotions, guiding dancers in a free improv flow from bodily awareness to healing visualizations and dance rituals, letting go of afflictive emotions and culminating in a dance of self-love and joy. Each session, with its focus on a particular emotion or objective, is a micro-journey of transformation. For me, this was part of what kept me sane during such an uncertain and emotionally charged period.

Dancing our way through trauma:

Through movement, music, metaphors and improvisation, individuals can reframe emotions and traumatic experiences, and develop healthier narratives about themselves and their past. Dance therapy provides a safe and supportive environment to explore difficult emotions and experiences associated with trauma. Group dance therapy can help individuals build healthy social connections and overcome feelings of isolation. This can be especially helpful for those who have experienced social withdrawal due to trauma. This kind of dance therapy for trauma must be conducted by a trained and certified professional. I highly suggest that it is used in conjunction with other treatment modalities, such as psychological therapy, counseling, etc. for a holistic approach to healing. We need to understand that dance therapy is not a quick fix, but it can be a powerful tool for long-term healing and recovery.

You can find more information about dance and trauma in the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) https://www.adta.org/

Exploring Dance Therapy Techniques

Dance speaks a universal language, understood by hearts worldwide. It knows no bounds of culture or language, making it an inclusive, accessible form of therapy. While my heart beats to the rhythm of Latin dances, the world of dance therapy is vast and varied. Each style, unique in its approach, serves a common purpose: to heal, express, and transform. Techniques like Tribal Dance, Quoya https://www.qoya.love/ ,  Journey dance http://www.journeydance.com/ , and Let Your Yoga Dance https://www.letyouryogadance.com/ , celebrate the diversity of this healing art form. They each hold space for individuals to explore, proving that the language of movement is as rich and diverse as humanity itself, celebrating the diversity of this healing art form.

The Scientific Symphony of Dance

Dance is not just movement; it's a bio-chemical ballet that transforms our very physiology. When we dance, our bodies release a cocktail of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—nature's own mood enhancers. This biochemical shift is why, after dancing, we feel a significant uplift in mood and a decrease in stress levels. Various studies in the *Journal of Health Psychology*  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1359105314529681 have found that participants who engaged in dance saw considerable improvements in mood and cognitive skills, highlighting dance's dual impact on emotional and cognitive well-being.

The magic of dance therapy isn't just felt; it's proven. Other studies reveal its power to reduce stress, combat depression, and elevate mood. For instance, a systematic review published in the *American Journal of Dance Therapy* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8632458/ highlights the significant positive effects of dance movement therapy on psychological and physical outcomes among cancer patients. Such research underscores not just the emotional but the physiological upliftment dance brings, validating its role as a critical tool in mental health care.

The benefits of dance clearly extend widely. Dance enhances physical health (Cardiovascular, muscle, endurance, flexibility, balance, weight); improves balance and coordination, improves memory and brain connectivity; boosts self-confidence, and fosters social connections that combat loneliness and depression. It's a holistic therapy, catering to all the SPIRE elements of happiness:  Spiritual, physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional wellbeing with each step and beat.

Jump into the dancefloor!

Dance has allowed me to perform my most authentic self, moving through life's motions with grace, resilience, and an ever-present sense of joy. Perhaps the most profound lesson dance has taught me is the courage to embrace every moment with authenticity and freedom. Dance, in its essence, is a celebration of life's highs and lows, a reminder that every emotion deserves its moment in the spotlight.

Dance, in its myriad forms, is more than an art—it's a journey back to oneself, a therapy woven into melodies and movements. As I continue to dance through life's tunes, I'm reminded of its unparalleled capacity to heal, connect, and liberate. So, I extend my hand to you, inviting you to find your rhythm in this vast choreography of life, one step at a time. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to the rhythm, explore the healing powers of dance. It's not about the perfect steps but the freedom and joy found in movement. Start with an online dance therapy session, join a local class, or simply let loose in your living room. Let the music move you, let the rhythm guide you, and may you dance your way to a happier, healthier you.

I leave you with this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F44nrK0MxEQ and a poem I wrote and that is included in my book “Emotional Alchemy, the art of transforming adversity into Gold for your personal growth”:

When they change the tune or the rhythm... keep on dancing!
When a step goes wrong, learn and... keep on dancing!
When you fall, defeated, get up and... keep on dancing.
When you get tired, take strength and... keep on dancing!
When the one you want does not ask you to dance, stand up alone and... keep on dancing!
When the twists and turns of the dance make you dizzy, regain your balance and... keep on dancing!
Because life is a dance, a constant dance... a party to which you had the privilege of being invited and that will last only a short time.
Take advantage while you are still here, enjoy, and NEVER STOP DANCING!

- Sandy Mora

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