Exercise is known to have a significant impact on mental health, and a new study suggests that the type of exercise chosen can make a difference. According to a metanalysis published in the journal Sport’s Medicine, dance may be as effective, if not more so, than other forms of physical activity in improving emotional well-being, depression, social cognition, and some aspects of memory.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Alycia Fong Yan from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health and Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, who was a former professional dancer, noted that dance can be a powerful form of exercise. She observed that individuals engaged in dance classes often did not realize they were performing physical movements like squats or pliés, as they were absorbed in the music and movement. This led her to conclude that dance is essentially ‘exercise in disguise’.

The study compared the psychological and cognitive health outcomes of structured dance classes, including modern, jazz, Zumba, step, ballet, folk, belly, or ballroom, with other physical activities such as team sports, martial arts, running, walking, and weight training. Participants, across various age groups and health statuses, attended classes for at least six weeks, with sessions lasting between 30 to 90 minutes. The research team found that not only were dance class participants more likely to adhere to the exercise regimen, but they also experienced similar or even superior improvements in quality of life, anxiety reduction, and depressive symptoms compared to other physical activity interventions.

These findings shed light on the potential of dance as a valuable form of exercise for mental health, offering an engaging and effective alternative to traditional physical activities. As the evidence continues to mount, it becomes increasingly clear that incorporating dance into one’s exercise routine may hold significant benefits for both physical and mental well-being.