How many times have you dragged to a dance class, grumbled about how stressed, burned out, and beat down you feel only to be transformed in a matter of an hour and a half of dancing. You gain a different perspective and in lots of cases a more optimistic attitude towards what ever ails you or has vanquished your joy in getting through another day. A "hot" class with good drumming can reinvigorate, diminish stress and put you back in the driver's seat.

So what is really happening to your mind and body? Exercise physiologists as well as behavioral psychologists have know for some time about the benefits of exercise and the role that physical activity plays in enhancing mental well being. In African dance we must consider not only the mental and physical aspects but the spiritual component that heals, mends and lifts your soul. This dance form brings together the mind, body and spirit through the quasi-hypnotic power of the drums and rhythms. The physiology behind this synergistic effect is based on research, which has shown that drumming as well as dancing to rhythmic music is an effective way to induce brain wave synchronization. The right brain is associated with creativity, visual and emotional components and the left brain controls rational, logical and analytic mental process. When left and right brain synchronization occurs, an individual can experience a sharper, more lucid mind and an expanded state of consciousness.

Scientific research has also confirmed that movement, specifically dance, can activate parts of the brain and develop new neural pathways, thus altering perceptions and feelings. Physical movement such as dance causes the brain to release mood-lifting neurotransmitters - serotonin and norepinephrine. It also promotes the release of endorphins - brain chemicals that promote satisfaction, as well as euphoria. This research forms the basis for the use of dance therapy to reduce symptoms in patients suffering from depression, anxiety and a host of other psychological problems.

The biochemical basis of the emotional high seen in dancers is well researched. However, there are other components that complement the psychological benefits of African dance. Moving to music and rhythms activates the brain's pleasure circuits. The bonding and socialization process also contributes to mental well being. The joy of dancing through a shared experience or being in total sync with your dance line where everyone hears the rhythm and allows their body to respond is an indescribable feeling. Individuals locked in and experiencing a collective rhythm radiate a powerful spirit. Anyone who has done African dance will understand the power of collectivity. This community/collectivity speaks a common language. Interdependence of the collective/team is vital to a single outcome - a coordinated rhythm that cannot be produced by any individual alone.

Drumming circles and dancing have recently been used in corporate groups, wellness programs, and senior citizen centers for team/community building, morale building, stress reduction and to energize and rejuvenate.

Finally, the synergy of altered perceptions and community acceptance promotes the elevation of self esteem. Dancing helps move us in a direction of trusting and accepting our bodies as they are and finding joy in our ability to express ourselves creatively through the dance rhythms. This joy sustains our lives on a daily basis.

J. Pegues

References:

Psychology Today, March/April 2007, Dance Therapy: Spin Control by Elizabeth Svodboda www.Helium.com - Emotional benefits of African Dance

www.relationexpert.co.uk - Benefits of Ethnic Dance for Stress Release

www.leaonline.com - Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2004, Vol. 28, p. 114, Effects of Hatha Yoga and African Dance on Perceived Stress, Affect, Salivary Cortisol

www.dailybruin.com - Therapist use dance to alleviate a bevy of physical, mental health conditions by Ben Thaler.

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