Dance Revolution: Dance Is Accessible to All

This article is part of our Spring/Summer 2020 print issue. See the full, digital version of the issue here.

Photography by Gabby Dunlevy featuring models Tatum Wentworth and Jenna Kulacz.

Since the beginning of time, we have danced. Whether it’s to celebrate culture, perform for an audience or just enjoy a moment with loved ones or friends, dancing has proven to benefit not only the body but the mind. Dancing aids the brain’s capacity for creativity, empathy and happiness.

Physically, dance has many functions—a cardio workout, a way to enhance coordination and even a means to tone muscle. Dancing also releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps the body feel pleasure, which can reduce stress levels and provide an overall feeling of happiness. The notion of using various dance styles as a way to “escape” stems from the comfort this art form provides.

Hannah Giessler, freshman and dancer at Elon, has been dancing since she was three and is now working toward her degree in psychology. She said she often takes knowledge gained in her courses and applies it to her own life, which has allowed her to realize how dance has impacted her growth.

“It’s very much an emotional outlet for me,” she said. “I’ve been told by teachers in the past to leave all my life issues at the door and just come in and dance, but I think it’s super important to bring them in with you and […] work through them with movement. I always leave dance feeling better and more calm about my problems.”

Giessler said her background in psychology has helped her view dance as a form of mental self-care despite the reputation of the arts.

“[Studying psych] also helped me realize that emotional disclosure is extremely important and can come in many different forms,” she said.

Although Giessler uses dance to work through any troubles, the therapeutic benefits of dance are unique to each person. The National Dance Education Organization promotes the idea that movement is restorative, helping the body function properly from a young age.

Photography by Gabby Dunlevy featuring models Tatum Wentworth.

Although the TikTok trend may be trivial, the app’s rise in popularity with its short dance videos is a testament to the power of dance—it can clear the mind and allow one to let loose.

Fortunately, for those of us who still aren’t confident in our moves, the benefits of dance aren’t dependent on one’s skill level. In reality, being involved in competitive dance can possibly reduce its positive effects. The stigma around dance leads even young dancers to compare themselves to famous performers on hit TV shows like Dance Moms or those who produce content on YouTube or TikTok. However, the study Exploring Factors Influencing Girls' Continued Participation in Competitive Dance by Charlene S. Shannon-McCallum, proves that the benefits of dance come from its function as a creative and emotional outlet, not from its reliance on outside praise or judgment.

Jenna Kulacz, junior and dance major at Elon, said she focuses not only on dance but also on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through yoga, exercise and meditation. Kulacz said she has been dancing for as long as she can remember, which has aided her in discovering who she is as a friend, daughter, student and individual in general.

“Dance is my entire life, and I seriously don’t know what I would do without it,” she said. “I have dealt with anxiety since I can remember, but dance has been that one thing to help me through my struggles.”

For Giessler and Kulacz, and for all of us, dance is more than just a fun exercise. It can be an escape that helps shape you emotionally. So, add dance to your self-care repertoire. Next time you’re feeling down, try putting in your earbuds and dance around to get your body moving and clear your mind.