Movement Matters: Dance as a Form of Movement

Dance as a form of movement can enrich, heal and release negativity in our lives. In essence, we move to music to express and experience our feelings through the melody and the rhythm. This provides us with a physical outlet for releasing tension, pent-up emotions, and negative energies. Through dance, we can connect with ourselves on a deeper level and in turn express ourselves, using body language, letting go of inhibitions and anxieties.

In the history of the world, dance has always been a part of life and nature. It is an opportunity for all lifeforms to express themselves, whether that be the Birds of Paradise dancing to attract mates, horses dancing and prancing with their herd or humans using dance to tell stories, pass down from elders or enhance and express emotions, activate creativity, intelligence, excitement and help them feel exhilarated.

There are many different forms of dance. I’ve lost count of the number of people who have stated they have two left feet and shouldn’t be caught tripping their way over the dance floor, which always makes me wonder… what’s holding them back.

Depending on what you seek from this form of movement, it isn’t important whether or not you can remain upright. Recently I discovered a movement named “Mana Movement” which is specifically for activating the divine feminine energies, enhancing the all-female force and challenges how we see women dance. I am not affiliated with this movement, however, found it interesting to see the evolution of what is now available at the click of a finger on your keyboard or smartphone. So, in true practitioner style, I wanted to know more! Mana has origins in many Island cultures, with a foundation of Polynesian theology; Mana has a spiritual quality with supernatural origin and is a sacred non-discriminating force. To have Mana implies influence, authority and efficacy: the ability to perform in any given situation. This is exactly what dance is all about!

As I delved deeper into spiritual dance practices, I discovered that many people, cultures and religions partake in a type of movement called Praise Dancing, which is a liturgical or spiritual dance that incorporates music and movement as a form of worship rather than an expression of art or as entertainment. Praise dancers use their bodies to express the words and spirit of their god/gods.

I have personally always loved that saying, “Dance like no one is watching,” stepping out under the stars once the children have retired to their beds and letting all the emotions flow through my physical motion. It could look ridiculous, but in those moments that’s not what it’s about. We aren’t talking about being in competition or movement that is being judged professionally, we are talking about dance as a movement to express one’s soul.

When you dance, your body releases endorphins (like any form of movement). These chemicals trigger positive energy and good vibes! This helps you improve your emotional state, reduce stress and anxiety and when practised with others, helps you to bond with them on a deeper level. Dance will solidify the mind-body connection, helping you to connect with yourself and will build your sense of worth and self-esteem. Let’s be honest, being able to move and feel free, definitely makes you feel beautiful, confident and courageous. If you aren’t feeling confident, this is undoubtedly one of those moments you can fake until you make it! Have you heard about faking a smile and how it genuinely changes your mood? Well, guess what, dancing has the same effect. Starting your day with a little jive that releases stress and sets the tone for the day has the profound ability to alter your entire state of being and gives you the opportunity to choose where you want to be, emotionally, mentally and physically.

Perhaps you need a little more convincing about the benefits of movement in the form of dance. Science says it increases muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness. New studies even suggest that dancing improves cholesterol levels and overall physical fitness, which means that no matter your age, this will do wonders for your overall sense of wellness and joy in life. At the very least, who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh with friends?

Laughter aside, dance can be integrated with meditation, as seen with the Whirling Dervish who practices physically active meditation, originating among Sufi groups and is still practised to this day. Yoga is another form of movement that has been transformed from more traditional Ashtanga Yoga to styles like Vinyasa Yoga; a continuous dance of asanas (poses) that connect the mind, body and spirit. When dancing, no matter the form it takes, breathwork is essential and therefore automatically brings your awareness to self, enhancing your mindfulness and connects your body to your emotions.

Dancing connects people, brings together individuals, enhances emotions and allows us to experience ecstatic joy in our lives. In a world with ever-increasing pressure, dance as a form of movement can help you feel free. Take a walk along the beach, skip and dance as you go, chuck your headphones on and dance under the stars, boost your speakers as loud as you can (respectfully) and feel the vibration resonating through your body. Listen to your emotions, give them space acknowledge them, and let them pass through you. Dance…. Like no one is watching.

Leila Verban, Our Expert

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Leila Verban is a creative writer and a qualified Yoga teacher who is the sole owner of Earth Side Yoga. Situated at the base of the Eungella Range, she continues to evolve her practice and refine her skills to incorporate counselling, meditation, energy healing and positive manifestation.