top of page

From Tremors to Tempo: The Science of Dance Therapy

I love to dance! I’ve been doing it since the age of 5, and since then, I have gotten into costume and slathered on make-up dozens of times to perform. But what if I told you there’s more to dance than just flashy costumes and catchy beats?  Dance can, in fact, help your brain as much as your body.


Over 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurodegenerative movement disorder. And recently, scientists seemed to be running out of solutions for movement therapy for Parkinson’s patients. Then, they discovered dance. Researchers began to investigate the complex mental coordination that dance requires, and discovered that dance activates various regions of the brain. And it has a lot more benefits! Studies by researchers discovered that dance can decidedly improve brain health, and that it involves both a mental effort and social interaction that helps reduce the risk of dementia. Dance movement therapy (DMT) can effectively improve motor function and cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative diseases. It serves as a non-pharmacological, effective, affordable, and engaging intervention that can be used as a complementary treatment for older adults with various neurodegenerative conditions. The list goes on, with dance found to improve mood and cognitive skills, reduce stress, and foster the formation of new neural connections. It really sounds too good to be true!


Although DMT started as a small theory, the amazing effects of dance are reaching the ears of people around the world. New associations, such as Dance for PD, are emerging, driving the dance therapy movement to support those who may seem like they have no chance. The American Dance Therapy Association, for example, promotes education and advocacy in dance therapy. These organizations work tirelessly to train certified dance movement therapists and bring structured programs into hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community spaces. What was once considered an unconventional idea is now gaining traction in mainstream healthcare, with more medical professionals recognizing the tangible benefits that rhythm, movement, and music can offer their patients.


Especially for movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, movement therapy is increasingly important. As these conditions do not have a cure, any way to slow down the effects is priceless. My grandmother has been facing Parkinson’s for over 10 years, and I hope others like her with movement disorders can find remedies in dance movement therapy, supporting them through the difficult journey it holds. I hope my love for dance will spread to others, not only as a form of entertainment but also as a beacon of hope for those it can support. Whether you are five years old stepping onto a stage for the first time, or eighty-five rediscovering movement in a therapy session, dance has something to offer everyone.


Sources:

Comments

bottom of page