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Dancing has always been part of what it means to be human. From celebrations and rituals to spontaneous moments in the kitchen, it is a way to move, connect, and express what words often cannot capture. But beyond the joy and fun, research shows what dancers have always known: moving to music can profoundly support our physical health, mental balance, and emotional well-being (Jeong et al., 2005; Quin et al., 2007;Verghese et al., 2003).
From Anxiety to Freedom
“I started dancing about nine years ago…This was a major turning point in my life.” says Mateusz Czarnowski, dance instructor at Dance Atelier dancing school.
When he first walked into a dance class, the interviewee was coping with what he called a “severe case of social anxiety.” Talking to strangers, trying new things, or simply stepping into unfamiliar spaces felt overwhelming. Dancing changed that.
He began with bachata, moved into salsa and kizomba, and eventually discovered zouk and lambada. Each style added not just new steps, but new courage.
“At first it was challenging, but it was really quite fun. And I’m glad I learned different styles because it kept me motivated.”
For Mateusz - and many others - dance is more than a hobby. It is a way to slowly dismantle fear, step by step, song by song.
Moving for Health
We often think of gyms, running, or swimming when it comes to fitness. But dance is just as powerful. Studies show that dancing lowers the risk of heart disease by nearly half (Merom et al., 2016),strengthens posture and flexibility (Keogh et al., 2009), and can burn hundreds of calories in just an hour of salsa (Brehm 2007).
“Besides health benefits like increased mobility, concentration, and focus, dancing can really change a person in a beneficial way.” says Mateusz.
And the benefits are not just physical. Learning choreography or improvising on the dance floor challenges the brain, improving focus, memory, and resilience. One long-term study even found that regular social dancing reduced the risk of dementia by 76% (Verghese et al.,2003).
Letting Emotions Move
Dance is also art. It is how we tell stories without words. According to Mateusz, “sometimes you just want to show your life story - or anything you’d like to show - through movement.”
Whether it is joy, grief, or quiet reflection, dance offers a safe way to release emotions. Research shows that dance movement therapy can lift mood, ease depression, and build emotional resilience (Jeong et al., 2005; Pylvänäinen et al., 2015). Anyone who has lost themselves in music knows this feeling: the body becomes the voice.
Belonging on the Dance Floor
Perhaps the most life-changing gift of dance is connection. Partner dances like salsa or bachata are designed to bring people together.
“When you dance with a partner, you create a story for just the two of you. Sometimes it feels as if our souls we reconnected.” says Mateusz.
One story stands out. A student who had long preferred solitary hobbies - books, video games, Netflix - reluctantly joined a dance class, inspired by Mateusz. At first, he was not sure he belonged. But slowly, he opened up.
“I noticed they were hugging other people, laughing, having fun. They needed that connection, and dancing gave them a community to belong to.”, Mateusz says.
Research confirms this: dance strengthens social bonds, reduces loneliness, and creates a sense of belonging (Keogh & Kilding, 2010).
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
Dance is also about courage. According to Mateusz, “Improvement requires leaving your comfort zone. You need to try things that won’t work at first, but with every attempt it gets easier.”
For beginners who feel too shy, his advice is simple: “Everyone in a class is just as scared as you. Bring a friend, find a safe haven, and don’t be afraid. All dancers you see started the same way.”
That is the beauty of dance - it reminds us that growth is challenging, but joy is always available.
Dance as Therapy
Beyond classes and parties, dance is increasingly used in therapy. Tango and ballroom improve balance and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s (Hackney & Earhart, 2009). Dance movement therapy helps trauma survivors reconnect with their bodies and emotions (Koch et al., 2007).
When movement, music, and emotion come together, something powerful happens. Healing becomes possible.
Conclusion: A Never-Ending Journey
Dancing is far more than entertainment. It is a practice that nurtures the body, sharpens the mind, and opens the heart. It builds resilience and courage, while offering joy, creativity, and belonging.
As the interviewee put it: “Dancing can be anever-ending journey - of learning, of expression, of connection. It can changea person in a beneficial way, far beyond the dance floor.”
Whether for health, stress relief, friendship,or self-expression, dance offers a path to well-being - one step at a time.
References
Image Source: freepik
Author: Malgorzata Zieba, based on the interview with Mateusz Czarnowski and listed resources
Mateusz Czarnowski, dance instructor at Dance Atelier dancing school (https://www.instagram.com/stories/mati_bachatero/)
Publication Date: 18.09.2025
DISCLAIMER:
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.
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