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I have always been a dancer - my parents put tap and ballet shoes on me at two-years-old and I haven’t looked back since. It has been my most constant hobby and passion, but it is only since becoming an adult that I have understood its power.
I started to volunteer for Hip Hop to Help last year having been an observer from the sidelines, and it has been so rewarding helping people from all walks of life in finding their dancing feet. The feedback we have received as a non-profit makes all the time and effort worthwhile, and it is the joy we see from our class attendees that prompted this investigation into the links between dance and mental health.
We asked the community ‘How does dance make you feel?’, and the responses we’ve had demonstrate that many use dance as a way to feel good. Dance gives them a sense of freedom, detracts from the stress of everyday life, and puts a smile on their face.
A 2007 study found that aside from boosting energy and mood, dancing, and especially Hip Hop, had a similar effect to other forms of aerobic exercise and helped to lower stress. Many of our community felt this positive impact.
"Dance is one of the few things in my life that completely clears my mind. I always feel like whatever has happened in that day, week or month, can be left behind for the time that I’m performing, and I’m free to just be myself and have fun." - Courtney
"Dance makes me feel happy and free! It’s the most fun exercise I do, and if I’m ever having a bad day I know dancing will lift my mood. It’s also given me so much confidence and I’ve found some of my closest friends through dance - I hope I keep dancing until my knees give out (again)!" - Phoebe
"Dancing helps me destress and release pent up energy." - Ben
One response we received a lot was of feeling a sense of freedom. There are many reasons people may not feel free - financial restraints, busy work, care responsibilities - and moving their body in a dance class helps our community express themselves and forget about other issues.
"Dancing makes me feel free." - Liana
"Free." - @tatycravid
"Dancing makes me feel free and I forget everything else that’s going on or happened that day." - Alex
Some of my favourite responses were those that spoke about the elevation felt from dancing. Not only is it a cure to some negative aspects of life, but it takes people above and beyond, giving them a sense of empowerment and confidence they might not feel elsewhere.
"Dance makes me feel like anything is possible, like all my worries have gone away, and confident and comfortable in my own skin. It’s a recipe for happiness. It’s magic." - Amber
"How does dance make me feel: I turn into different person, all my confidence and passion is channeled into movement and expression." - Megs
"Dancing makes me feel pure happiness, joy and freedom." - @lalaalikhan
"Like I have a new level to myself." - @planzman86
Whether you attend dance classes regularly, have a little boogie in the kitchen, or save your moves for special occasions, I hope you feel the same sense of happiness and release that our community does. And if you fancy trying out one of our classes (for free!) follow us on socials or check out our website to stay up to date. We’d love to see you there.
Hip Hop to Help is a not-for-profit charity making dance accessible to all. We hold monthly free classes in London and work with organisations to promote well-being through dance.
