Hi, I’m Laura – Owner and Founder of Union Studios here in Westboro. I recently read The Dance Cure by Peter Lovatt, and it really stuck with me. It puts into words so many of the things I see every day in the studio: how dance impacts not just our bodies, but our minds and overall well-being too. I wanted to share a few of those takeaways and the reason why dancing feels so good!
The Mental Benefits of Dance
One of the most fascinating things from the book is how powerful dance is for the brain. When you’re dancing, your brain is doing a lot behind the scenes – coordinating movement, rhythm, memory, and awareness all at once. It’s like a full workout for your mind as much as your body. Over time, this can help with things like memory, focus, and even creativity. Dr. Lovatt talks about how movement can influence the way we think and feel. Different types of movement can actually shift your mood, boost your energy, and help you feel more open and engaged. It’s a pretty amazing reminder that sometimes the quickest way to change your mindset is to simply move.
Dance as a FUN Full-Body Workout
Beyond the mental benefits, dance is also one of those rare forms of exercise that doesn’t really feel like exercise. You’re building strength, improving cardio, working on balance and coordination – all while focusing on music and movement rather than reps or routines. It’s engaging, it’s varied, and it meets you exactly where you are. And the best part is that it doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Whether you’re going full-out in a high-energy class or just easing into movement, your body is still benefiting.
Getting Social with Dance
This leads me to the emotional and social part, which is what I see come to life in the studio all the time. Dance has a way of helping you step out of your head and into the moment. It can reduce stress, lift your mood, and give you a sense of release that’s hard to find elsewhere. There’s also something really special about sharing that experience with others. Being in a room where everyone is learning, trying, and showing up as they are, builds connection in such a natural way. Over time, that can have a huge impact on confidence and overall well-being.
As adults, we don’t always make space for movement, creativity, or play in our day-to-day lives. Dance brings all of that back in a really accessible way. It doesn’t require you to be at a certain level or have a certain background, you can start exactly where you are and build from there.
About the author
Laura Merani, Owner and Founder of Union Studios in Ottawa, is a seasoned dancer and instructor. At Union Studios, they hold drop-in dance classes for adults throughout the week. They’re really committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for anyone who wants to dance no matter their experience. They encourage you to dance for yourself, your health, and your happiness!
