How Dance Supports Mental Health in Children Teens and Adults During Winter Months
At Art in Motion School of Dance, we believe dance supports the whole person. Winter can be a challenging time emotionally for many people. Days are darker, routines shift, and moods can dip. That makes movement, connection, and joy more important than ever.
Dance is one of the most powerful tools for protecting mental wellbeing because it connects mind, body, and community. This benefit is true for every age. Children, teens, and adults all experience mental health gains from moving, expressing, and being part of something positive.
The Mental Health Benefits of Dance
Dance boosts feel good chemicals in the brain
Dance increases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These are the chemicals that elevate mood, reduce stress, and help us feel more balanced.
Dance reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
Studies show that dance movement therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety across age groups.
Source: American Dance Therapy Association
https://www.adta.org/research
Dance strengthens social connection and belonging
Entering a shared space, moving together, and learning together decreases feelings of isolation. Belonging and community are critical for emotional wellbeing in kids and adults.
Dance gives a healthy outlet for emotion
When words are hard, movement speaks. Dance allows expression, release, and self-processing without pressure to verbalize.
Dance builds confidence and identity
Progressing in skills, setting goals, seeing improvement, and performing all help dancers build a stronger sense of self.
Source: CDC Healthy Schools
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physical-activity
Dance builds resilience
Growth happens by showing up consistently, trying again, and celebrating small wins. These habits support lifelong emotional resilience.
Our Hope This Winter
We want dance to be a place where every dancer feels seen, supported, valued, connected, and safe to express themselves.
This winter, consider keeping movement in your child’s life. And if you are an adult reading this, dance is still for you as well. There is no age limit on joy.
Want to Experience the Mental Health Benefits of Dance This Winter?
We would love to welcome you into our studio community. Whether you are brand new or returning, dancer or parent, child or adult… dance has a place for you here.
Try a class, reconnect with movement, and experience how dance can lift your mood, build confidence, and bring joy back into your week.
Registration is open now.
Click here to view classes and get started.
In Loving Memory
This post is dedicated in quiet remembrance of dancers everywhere who have struggled silently. We also hold Zariah “Zee” in our hearts this time of year. Her light, laughter, and presence are missed every single day inside our studio walls. May we continue building communities that lift, support, and love each other, especially through the winter season.