DANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

This article looked at the importance of dance in promoting mental health, especially in combating anxiety, depression and stress. The research was developed based on studies and authors that deal with the relationship between body movement, emotion and psychological well-being. It has been observed that dancing helps release hormones linked to pleasure and happiness, such as serotonin and endorphins, and also improves social interaction, mood and self-esteem. In addition to contributing to physical well-being, dancing promotes balance between body and mind, being an accessible, fun practice capable of improving quality of life. Regular practice also allows individuals to express repressed emotions, develop self-awareness, and strengthen emotional resilience. Dance can be incorporated into schools, communities and health programs as a preventive and therapeutic tool, promoting inclusion and social integration. Given this, it is understood that dance can be used as an important tool to take care of mental health and strengthen social bonds in different contexts, being capable of positively impacting both psychological, physical and social aspects.