The Benefits of Dance for Disabled Individuals
Feel the Beat guest instructors, Kaylee Bays and Abigail Giordano, leading a special Master Class at the Feel the Beat dance studio.
At Feel the Beat, we believe in creating a world where dance is accessible to everyone and every body. As a universal language, dance has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people through movement and expression. For disabled individuals, dance offers not only physical benefits, but also emotional, mental health, social, and cognitive benefits.
In honor of Disability Pride Month which kicks off each year in July, we are exploring the benefits of dance for disabled individuals as well as sharing some tips around how to find accessible dance studios with a focus on adaptive dance classes and programming for disabled individuals.
Physical Benefits
Improved Mobility and Strength. Dance helps improve flexibility, strength, and coordination. For many disabled individuals, engaging in dance can enhance their range of motion and muscle tone (National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability [NCHPAD], n.d.). Adaptive dance techniques are tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit.
Cardiovascular Health. Regular dance sessions provide a cardiovascular workout, which is crucial for maintaining heart health. Activities that raise the heart rate, such as dance, can help improve circulation and overall cardiovascular function (Kim & Lee, 2017).
Pain Management. Dance often incorporates gentle movements and stretching, which can alleviate chronic pain. The rhythmic nature of dance can also trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, offering relief from discomfort (American Dance Therapy Association, n.d.).
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence. Participating in dance allows individuals to express themselves creatively, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence. The sense of accomplishment from mastering new dance moves or performing in front of an audience can be incredibly empowering (Abilities Expo, n.d.).
Stress Reduction. Dance is a form of exercise, and like all physical activity, it helps reduce stress levels. The focus required during dance helps individuals stay present in the moment, providing a break from daily worries and anxieties (American Dance Therapy Association, n.d.).
Enhanced Emotional Expression. Dance provides an outlet for emotional expression, helping individuals process and convey feelings that might be difficult to articulate verbally. This emotional release can lead to a greater sense of well-being and inner peace (Karkou, Aithal, Zubala, & Meekums, 2019).
Social Benefits
Community and Belonging. Dance classes and groups foster a sense of community and belonging. They provide opportunities for social interaction, friendship, and support. Being part of a dance group can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness (NCHPAD, n.d.).
Cultural Engagement. Dance often involves learning about different cultures and traditions, which can be enriching and broadening for participants. This cultural engagement promotes understanding and appreciation of diversity (Abilities Expo, n.d.).
Collaboration and Teamwork. Group dance activities require collaboration and teamwork, helping individuals develop social skills and learn to work effectively with others. These skills are transferable to other areas of life, enhancing overall social competence (Kim & Lee, 2017).
Cognitive Benefits
Improved Memory and Cognitive Function. Learning dance routines and remembering choreography can boost memory and cognitive function. The mental effort involved in coordinating movements and following patterns stimulates the brain and can improve overall cognitive health (Harvard Health Publishing, n.d.).
Problem-Solving Skills. Dance often involves problem-solving, whether it’s figuring out how to move a certain way or how to adapt a dance to accommodate different abilities. This can enhance critical thinking and adaptability (NCHPAD, n.d.).
Enhanced Focus and Concentration. The concentration required during dance practice helps improve focus and attention span. This heightened focus can translate to better performance in other daily tasks and activities (American Dance Therapy Association, n.d.).
How to Find an Accessible Dance Studio
Community Resources. Reach out to local disability advocacy organizations, community centers, and rehabilitation facilities. They often have recommendations for accessible and adaptive dance programs and can provide additional support and resources. For example, in Colorado, a great government resource can be found through the Colorado Department of Human Services' Disability Services website.
Research and Reviews. Start by researching local dance studios online and look for reviews from other disabled individuals. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media platforms can provide valuable insights into the experiences of others.
Check for Specialized Programs. Many dance studios offer adaptive dance classes specifically designed for disabled individuals. Check the studio’s website or call to inquire about these programs. Look for descriptions that mention terms like "adaptive dance," or "accessible dance classes" (NCHPAD, n.d.).
Visit the Studio. Visit the studio to assess its accessibility. Check for features such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and spacious dance areas. Speak with the instructors to ensure they have experience and training in teaching disabled individuals (Abilities Expo, n.d.).
Trial Classes. Many studios offer trial classes or drop-in sessions, including Feel the Beat. This can be a great way to experience the environment and teaching style before committing to a regular schedule. It also allows you to see if the class meets your specific needs and preferences (American Dance Therapy Association, n.d.). If you are interested in trying out a Feel the Beat adaptive dance class, make sure to register on our website and select “schedule a trial” from the drop-down selection on the class registration page.
Feel the Beat: Accessible Dance Classes for Disabled Individuals
At Feel the Beat, our focus is to ensure that no one feels left out of the experience of dance and music. We do this by providing those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, as well as those with or without disabilities a way to engage in dance and music through an inclusive curriculum that honors each individual student’s mode of communication. We integrate our customized curriculum, vibrating dance floor, and sign language friendly environment to remove barriers and connect students from all backgrounds to make dance and music education accessible to all. Feel the Beat’s one-of-a-kind bone conduction vibrotactile dance floor allows users to feel sound through vibrational energy which can provide individuals with disabilities such as ASD the ability to have a fully immersive dance and music experience that’s both inclusive and accessible. Our dance instructors care about your journey and will customize your educational experience to meet your needs, while cheering you on, one beat at a time. Our classes and programming include weekly classes, group classes, school programs, events and more! For more information or to see if one of our classes or programs might work for you or your student, feel free to give us a call at 303-816-8683 or email us at info@feelthebeat.dance.
Conclusion
The benefits of dance for disabled individuals are profound and far-reaching. From physical health improvements to emotional well-being, social integration, and cognitive enhancement, dance offers a holistic approach to enhancing quality of life. By embracing adaptive dance, communities can create inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy and transformative power of dance.
References
Abilities Expo. (n.d.). The transformative power of dance for people with disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.abilities.com/community/dance.html
American Dance Therapy Association. (n.d.). Dance/movement therapy and its benefits. Retrieved from https://adta.org/what-is-dancemovement-therapy/
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). The health benefits of dancing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-dancing
Karkou, V., Aithal, S., Zubala, A., & Meekums, B. (2019). Effectiveness of dance movement therapy in the treatment of adults with depression: A systematic review with meta-analyses. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 936. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00936
Kim, S. H., & Lee, S. Y. (2017). The effects of dance therapy on balance, gait, and depression in nursing home residents. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(12), 2017-2020. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.2017
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD). (n.d.). The benefits of dance for individuals with disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.nchpad.org/1154/5792/The~Benefits~of~Dance~for~Individuals~with~Disabilities