Every Canadian knows that the bleakness of winter can significantly impact our emotional state, even for the most cheerful individuals. As March approaches, our anticipation for the arrival of spring intensifies, and engaging in dance might be just what we need to embrace the season a tad earlier.
All are welcome
Do you think you lack the ability to dance? Think again! Dancing is a fundamental aspect of being human, and even very young children express themselves through movement before they can articulate words.
“Dance is simply movement, and movement is something we naturally do every day,” explains Julia Ray, the creator of Ecstatic Dance Toronto, a weekly sober dance gathering. “Your body instinctively knows how to move.” If the fear of not looking “cool” stops you from joining in, the numerous health benefits of dancing may motivate you to hit the dance floor after all.
The impact of dance on the brain
Research shows that just one hour of dancing can lead to decreased depression levels. While similar to other forms of exercise in releasing endorphins, dancing has additional benefits.
The close relationship between music and dance creates a unique enjoyment: the expectation of music stimulates the brain’s reward systems, while dancing engages sensory and motor pathways. This combination can result in prolonged pleasure, inspiring some to dance for hours on end.
Enhancing cognitive health
Moreover, dancing can help lower the chances of developing dementia and assist individuals with Parkinson’s by enhancing dopamine levels and forming new neural connections, which promotes neuroplasticity. Those with Parkinson’s often experience improvements in walking and speaking when guided by a consistent rhythm, and specific songs can evoke memories for those living with dementia.
Exploring dance therapy
Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) combines movement and dance with psychotherapy, offering a distinct means of expressing emotions.
“Our bodies hold every experience we’ve ever had,” explains Marlene Stirrett-Matson, a dance movement therapist and president of the Dance and Movement Therapy Association in Canada. “These experiences can be stored as memories or traumas. Our work with clients focuses on revealing and processing these memories through movement.”
Since DMT does not depend on verbal communication, it helps patients access subconscious emotions, overcome cultural and language barriers, and address issues that are otherwise challenging to express.
Embrace your strength
Dancing not only positively influences our cognitive health but also serves as an excellent method of maintaining physical activity, especially during snowy conditions. Research indicates that dancing, irrespective of the style, significantly enhances muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance.
Keep moving
Dancing also proves to be a tremendous asset for our bodies as we grow older, aiding in the preservation of mobility, support of healthy joints, and contributing to overall fitness.
For those experiencing limited mobility, dancing can still be an inclusive activity. When facilitating a session, “you modify the movements based on participants’ comfort levels,” says Stirrett-Matson. “People can express themselves through dancing whether they are seated, standing, or lying down—whatever feels right for them.”
Building a sense of community
Engaging in dance with others—be it in a group or as partners—brings not only personal benefits but fosters connections and joy. Sharing movements with others leads to unity, enhances moods, strengthens social ties, and makes well-being a collective pursuit.
“The act of dancing itself serves as an extraordinary elixir… deeply rooted in health and wellness,” states Ray. “We inherently possess the tools needed to flourish, and dance floors provide the space to explore that.”
Supplement
Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids
May alleviate pain, stiffness, and swelling in arthritis sufferers.
Collagen
May help alleviate joint pain for osteoarthritis patients.
Arnica
Can be applied topically to relieve joint pain and stiffness for osteoarthritis.
Boswellia
May assist in minimizing inflammation and joint discomfort.
Curcumin
Particularly effective against inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis cases.
This article originally appeared in the March 2026 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
