Does Dancing Reduce Stress?

Stress is everywhere, unavoidable and part and parcel of our modern lifestyles. Small amounts of stress are actually good for us. It can help us get motivated and focused, or respond quickly in an emergency. It is when stress builds up over time, our brains continuously producing the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol, that we can become burnt out and sick.  

Facts and Figures

In 2023/4, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that there were 776,000 cases of self-reported work related-stress, anxiety and depression. And that’s just what was reported and only concerns those in the workplace. In the US, emotional stress is a ‘major contributor’ to the 6 leading causes of death: cancer, coronary heart disease, accidental injuries, respiratory disorders, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide.

However, studies show that despite not always having control over the things that are causing stress, we can respond to it differently by making lifestyle changes such as exercising, meditation, taking regular breaks at work and socialising .

So, what’s this got to do with dancing?

Well, it turns out dancing, especially with others, is a fantastic way to combat stress.

The physical: like any exercise, dance increases the production of the hormones, endorphins and oxytocin, as well as the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. Between them these hormones and neurotransmitters are responsible for the positive feelings we experience such as happiness, wellbeing, the reward system and bonding … and dance does all of this in spades. On the other hand dancing has been scientifically proven to reduce cortisol, which is caused by chronic stress.

Hugging and Dancing

Humans need each other. We evolved and survived by being in groups and however much we find others annoying and triggering, we are not our best when left on our own for too long. Lockdown proved to be difficult for many because of the social isolation. This is where dance excels: we do it with others and get to feel less alone and more connected. Dr Julia Christensen, neuroscientist and dancer, tells us:

‘In today’s reserved society, we are considerably lacking in intimate, platonic interactions… we need at least 8 hugs a day to feel human. Or, alternatively, 4 hugs and a dance class.’

Wholistic Workout

So we have the neuroscience and social aspects of how dance reduces and helps us cope with stress. There’s also the direct effect that dance has on our minds and feelings, cognition and emotion.

When we dance, we tend to shut out thoughts, as we focus on the movements of our body, and the music we are listening to. There is something about this complete absorption, or flow state, being fully present and in the moment that is really good for dealing with and preventing stress. It’s like a break from ourselves and our normal thoughts, preoccupations, our worries and concerns.

Does Dancing Reduce Stress? Dancing our Emotions

Dance is a form of emotional expression and communication. We bi-pass words, humans’ main way of transmitting information to each other in favour of a universal language which is available to us all. Often in spoken conversation we adapt what we want to say for social acceptance. In dance, this isn’t possible. We may be shy, but even the smallest movement conveys a felt reality.  When we move we give expression to our emotional world; we are able to access and release feelings. This is another great stress-reliever.

Science on Dance and Stress

A recent study (May 2025) in ScienceDirect looked at Dance and Stress Regulation from a multidisciplinary narrative review: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029225000226

It drew insights from psychological, neurobiological and anthropological perspectives, and concluded:

‘Together, these perspectives emphasise the profound potential of dance as an embodied practice that addresses coping, resilience, and stress at multiple levels of the human experience. So get up and dance your stress away.’

This piece of research is not the only one. If you Google ‘stress and dance’ you will find plenty more.

Flomotion Dance

As a conscious dance practice, where we are guided into movement through awareness of breath and body, Flomotion Dance is the perfect place to leave stress at the door. It’s social, it’s a form of exercise, it’s compelling enough to put aside preoccupying thoughts and feelings or at least give expression to them. It provides group bonding and time to be quiet and still.

Let go of stress! Come and dance!

Book my dance sessions here www.flomotion.dance/bookings

Buy my book, Dance for Life here