dance thesis statement

319 Dance Essay Topics & Research Questions on Hip Hop, Ballet, & More

Dancing is a universal form of expression and movement. It has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. From traditional cultural dances to contemporary urban dance styles, this art form transcends language barriers and brings people together.

But dancing is not just about entertainment. It is significant in various aspects of society, from its role in expressing emotions to its impact on mental health.

In this article, our expert team delves into the diverse world of dance. Below, you’ll find interesting dance topics to write about and explore the cultural, social, emotional, and physical dimensions of dance. Read till the end to find a writing guide with examples.

🔝 Top 10 Dance Essay Topics

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• Cultural significance of dance.
• Mental health benefits of dancing.
• Gender roles in dance.
• Dance as nonverbal communication.
• Technological innovations in dance.
• Social impact of dance activism.
• Dance education in schools.
• Emotional expression in dance.
• Dance and cultural identity.
• Politics of dance movements.

Why I Love Dance: Essay Prompt

Are you passionate about dance and want to write about it? Consider including the following points in your essay:

• Explain your deep-rooted passion for dance. Reflect on how dance has influenced your life, shaped your identity, and impacted your personal growth.
• Describe the specific styles or dance genres you are passionate about and explain why they hold a special place in your heart. Share experiences that have strengthened your love for dance, such as memorable performances, challenges , or inspirational moments.
• Discuss how dance has enriched your life and contributed to your overall well-being. Convey your dedication to dance and the importance of this art form in your life.

What Does Dance Mean to You: Essay Prompt

This essay is your chance to reflect on the place of dance in your life. Here are some ideas to include in your paper:

• Express your understanding and connection to dance. Describe what dance means to you on a deeply personal and emotional level. Share your unique perspective on the effects of dance on your life choices and identity.
• Discuss how dance has impacted your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Write about its contribution to your personal growth and development. Describe the emotions and sensations you experience while dancing and how they enrich your life. Discuss any memorable dance experiences, performances, or interactions with fellow dancers that impressed you.
• Depict your passion and appreciation for dance. Articulate the role of dancing in your life. Consider how dance has allowed you to express yourself , connect with others, and navigate life.

Hip Hop Essay Prompt

Are you a fan of hip-hop dance? Then you might enjoy writing an essay about it! Consider the points below to cover in your paper:

• Explore the art and culture of hip-hop. Discuss the origins and evolution of hip-hop dance, including its roots in African, Caribbean, and African-American dance traditions. Study the key elements of hip-hop dance, including its unique style, movement vocabulary, and musicality.
• Discuss the impact of hip-hop dance on popular culture , including its influence on music videos, films, fashion, and the entertainment industry. Analyze the social and cultural significance of hip-hop dance, including its role as a form of self-expression, community-building, and activism . Discuss the diversity and inclusion within hip-hop dance, including its ability to bring people of different backgrounds together.
• Describe any personal experiences or connections with hip-hop dance , and discuss how it has influenced your understanding of dance and culture. Convey your appreciation for hip-hop dance’s artistry, creativity, and cultural relevance. Provide insights into this dynamic and influential dance form.

Why Dance Is a Sport: Essay Prompt

There’s been a long-lasting debate about whether dance should be considered an art or a sport. You can present your opinion on this issue in your essay. Here is a prompt to guide you:

• Study the arguments on both sides of the debate and articulate your stance. Discuss the physical demands of dance, including athleticism, strength, and endurance. Compare them to the criteria used to define sports.
• Explore the competitive nature of dance , including competitions, rankings, and performance expectations . Discuss the training, dedication, and discipline required for dance and compare them to other recognized sports.
• Examine the artistic and creative elements of dance and how they may differentiate dance from traditional sports. Discuss any challenges or controversies surrounding the classification of dance as a sport. It might be the lack of standardized rules, funding, and recognition.
• Consider the cultural, historical, and societal factors influencing perceptions of dance as a sport. Present your argument supported by evidence and examples. Provide a nuanced perspective on this complex and debated topic.

Below, you’ll find plenty of ideas for a college essay about dance. Read on to find a suitable topic for your paper!

Modern Dance Essay: Topics

Modern dance significantly differs from traditional dance forms like ballet. Nowadays, dancers prioritize emotional expression instead of following rigid rules. Here are some interesting dance titles & ideas for your essay on modern styles:

• The diversity of contemporary dance styles.
• Psychological determinants of choosing a particular dance style.
• Creative Movement and Dance in My School.
• Sociopolitical concerns through the prism of dance.
• Modern dance as a form of protest against classical dance.
• Modern Black dance: race in motion.
• Significant people who contributed to the modernization of dance.
• Features of post-modern dance.
• Art Therapy: Creativity as a Critical Part of Art Therapy .
• The new American dance forms.
• Modern dance in the US vs. Europe: differences and similarities.
• Injuries in modern dance: career options for dancers.
• The concepts of modernity, race, and nation in the early modern dance forms.
• Oxygen uptake during a modern dance class.
• Physical Therapy Services for Sports Injuries .
• Socio-demographic correlates of modern dance genre preferences.
• Indian modern dance and feminism.
• Self-expression in modern dance.
• National and transnational modern dance.
• Principles of modern dance therapy.
• Regular engagement in modern dance and depression treatment .
• Modern dance pioneers who revolutionized this art: a case of Lester Horton.
• Incorporating Physical Activity into Lesson Plans.
• Mood changes of people attending dance classes.
• Modern dance classes: can one learn to dance online?
• Evolving gay stereotypes in modern dance.
• Dance as a reflection of culture.
• Depression and Physical Exercise .
• German modern dance during the Nazi rule.
• Body image and modern dance engagement.
• Eating disorders in professional modern dancers.
• Significant elements of modern dance.
• Dance as a hobby and professional activity.
• Art Education, Its Role and Benefits.
• Examples of popular modern dance styles.
• Controversial dance practices.
• Is folk dance considered modern dance?
• Does modern dance come with serious choreography similar to classical dance?
• Class and ethnicity reflected in dance.
• Physical Activity and Sports Team Participation .
• Modern dance in France.
• The transformative power of flamenco dancing.

Dance Critique Essay: Topics

A dance critique essay requires you to evaluate carefully a particular dance performance or a specific aspect of this art form. Check out some dance titles for an essay to inspire your critical response :

• Degradation of dance quality in the 21st century.
• Passion versus physical characteristics in dance performance.
• Racism and gender discrimination at the dance competitions.
• Gender inequality in professional dance.
• Subway dance – a subculture or simply a weird place for practice?
• Dancing and Its Effects on Self-Esteem .
• How did industrialization contribute to the departure from classical dance?
• The rise of burlesque as a rebellion against ballet.
• The Role of Music and Movement in Education.
• The ideology and importance of radical dance.
• The Wigman technique of dance.
• José Limón’s contribution to contemporary dance.
• The place and influence of the American Dance Festival in modern American dance traditions.
• Art, Music, and Dance in Therapeutic Treatment .
• Combination of choreography and multimedia in Alwin Nikolais’s works.
• The flaws and loopholes of early modern dance.
• Popularization of African American dance across the world.
• Ballet elements in contemporary dance.
• The Importance of Arts in the School Curriculum .
• The contribution of Grete Wiesenthal to modern dance development.
• What place does concert dance occupy in the dance typology?
• Place of women in dance – now and then.
• Differences between modern and contemporary dance styles.
• Pole dance’s potential for inclusion in the Olympic Games list.

Dance Reflection Essay: Topic Ideas

Are you looking for thought-provoking dance topics to talk about in a reflection paper ? Check out the list below:

• What features and character traits should a good dance teacher possess?
• What does it mean to be a dance revolutionary?
• What did modern dance pioneers do to create new dance types?
• Should professional dance be taught in college?
• Sports Psychologist: Working With Athletes .
• The national dance of my country.
• My first experience in a dance class.
• My music preferences for dancing.
• Dances with Wolves Essay – Movie Analysis .
• Dancing as a personal form of relaxation and meditation.
• Why do some people prefer dancing alone at home and others need an audience?
• My favorite movie about dancing.
• Ballet as my passion and my greatest disappointment.
• My opinion of dancing as a profession.
• Music in the Service of Social Movements .
• Importance of dancing in my culture .
• What I think makes a good and bad dancer.
• My experience of participating in a dance contest.
• The role of dance in my family.
• My fascination with Indian dance.
• My dream is to become a hip-hop dancer.
• Benefits I see in regular dancing.
• The pros and cons of professional engagement in dance.

There are some controversial issues related to dance you can explore in your paper. Below, you’ll discover a list of dance topics to express your reasoned opinion about.

• Dance can be a tool for social change .
• How can culture be reflected through dance?
• Should College Athletes Be Paid?
• The impact of the environment on dance perception.
• The importance of dance styles and types for specific cultures.
• Dance as an intangible cultural heritage.
• Is dance a kind of sport?
• Sports-Related Problems and Conflicts .
• Why do people start to dance?
• Why is the audience attracted to dance performances?
• What is the motivation behind starting to dance at an early age?
• Why is contemporary dance more popular than classical dance today?
• The Cognitive Performance and Physical Activity Link.
• Are modern dance styles, like hip hop, easier than ballet dancing?
• Dance training is highly traumatic and shouldn’t be practiced at an early age.
• The risk of trauma and permanent injury among professional ballet dancers.
• Street dance is not serious dance.
• Exercise – The Mind and Body Connection .
• The impact of motivation and self-confidence on dance performance.
• Dancing positively affects the physical and cognitive health of aging adults.
• Dance is a tool against aging .
• Different dance styles and genres require different physical endurance and energy expenditure.
• Music Incorporation into Classes.
• Importance of choosing your dance style according to your BMI and bodily peculiarities.
• Partner dancing is healthier for motor control and coordination than solo dancing.
• Benefits of ballroom dancing.
• The economic effect of dance development.
• What is the hardest dance style?
• Cultural Appropriation in Music .
• Ghost dance as a religious movement.
• Electronic dance as a new subculture.
• Techniques of dancing to jazz music.
• Flamenco dance as a reflection of Spanish passion.
• Students’ Motivation and Satisfaction of Music Festival .
• Cultural significance of feminist dance films.
• The impact of proper nutrition on dance performance.
• The art of staging a dance performance.
• The social significance of street dance.
• Creative Art Therapy for Mental Illness .
• What does dance have to do with math?
• Belly dance as a recreational activity.
• Interpretative dance as a strong therapeutic tool.
• The use of dance therapy for individuals with Down syndrome .

Hip-hop dance is a popular street dance style that emerged in the second half of the 20th century. It encourages freedom of expression and is characterized by freestyle movements, particularly drops to the ground and sharp turns. If you seek to write a paper on hip-hop, here are catchy dance titles to inspire you:

• The role of dance in hip-hop culture.
• Chinese Hip Hop and Identity .
• Hip-hop dance and body power.
• Hip-hop as an African diaspora dance style.
• Meanings and messages in hip-hop dance.
• Genders, Sexuality, and Hip-Hop .
• Origins of hip-hop.
• Injury incidence in hip-hop training and performance.
• Commercialization of hip-hop dance.
• Core elements of hip-hop dancing.
• The Uprising of Hip-Hop: Music History .
• Hip-hop dance in modern ballet choreography.
• Low back pain in hip-hop dancers.
• B-boying in hip-hop.
• Motivations of hip-hop dancers for professional engagement with this dance style.
• The “breaks” concept in break dancing.
• The Evolution of Hip-Hop Culture .
• The roots of hip-hop choreography.
• Battling among hip-hop crews.
• Hip-hop scandals – sex and violence in hip-hop content.
• Theorizing hip-hop dance.
• Hip-Hop’s Response to Crime Analysis .
• Hip-hop dance consumption: who is the target audience?
• Globalization and hip-hop dancing.
• Principles of hip-hop dance codification.
• Hip-hop as a black social dance.
• Metaphors in hip-hop dance moves.
• Black feminism in hip-hop dance.
• Concepts of Elite Culture and Popular Culture .
• US Ebonics as the language of American hip-hop choreography.
• Extreme kinematics in hip-hop performances.
• What injuries are the most common among hip-hop dancers?
• Can hip-hop be a professional career?
• Basic rhythmic movements of hip-hop dance.
• Hip-hop practice’s impact on the dancer’s mood.
• Body poetics in hip-hop performances.
• Standards for judging hip-hop contests.
• Cultural Movement: Hip-Hop Related Films .
• Le hip hop – a French hip-hop subculture.
• The hip-hop culture in New York.
• Perceptions of race in the hip-hop community: white vs. black dancers.
• Hip-hop theater in London: a new level of dance style’s legitimization.

Do you want to learn more about dance? Then why not write a research paper on that? Below, you’ll discover a list of engaging dance topics to research.

• Novel approaches to dance: a blend with architecture at the Barnes Foundation’s exhibition.
• Dance from an anthropological perspective .
• Politics and poetics in dance.
• The biology of dance movements’ language.
• Teaching dance: should it be art or sport?
• Dance ethnology.
• Women in dance since antiquity : the images of sylphs and sirens.
• Philosophy of the dance: universal or nationally bound?
• What is a dance movement?
• Dancing and the brain.
• Psychology of dance.
• Dance as a mighty psychotherapeutic tool.
• Should national dance be included in the school curriculum?
• Living through psychological trauma in dance.
• The role of dance improvisations.
• Reform and revival of old dance styles.
• The role of space and subjectivity in dance.
• Shakespeare and the dance tradition of England.
• The social anthropology of dance performances.
• Theories and methodologies in dance research.
• A Eurocentric approach to the study of dance.
• Dance and the body.
• Dance as a method of self-study.
• Computer technology and dance.
• The evolution of Irish dance.
• The contribution of Merce Cunningham to modern dance.
• How does dance stimulate social fantasy?
• Partner dancing as a way to strengthen relationships in a couple .
• Verbal language of dancers and choreographers.
• The political side of national dancing.
• Dance and physics.
• The mind-body concept in dance.
• What can be regarded as contemporary dance?
• Dance imagery in various dance styles.
• What makes people dance? The philosophy of bodily movement.
• Dancing out one’s emotions: the dance of anger or happiness.
• The neural basis of human dance movements.
• Isadora Duncan’s revolutionary dance theory.
• The challenges of the interactive dance genre.
• Dance from the position of existential phenomenology.
• Dualism and body-soul separation: a dance perspective.
• Dance and embodiment.
• Dance and self: a philosophical perspective.
• Body as object vs. subject in dance.
• Freedom and intention in body movements during dance.
• Staged dance: the concept of created body.
• A tension between the personal and the universal in dance.
• Health benefits of recreational and professional dance.
• Japanese dance as an embodiment of culture.
• Turning body and identity into dance choreography.

The history of dance dates back millennia. So, there is so much to explore! Check out possible dance research project ideas for your history paper:

• Approaches to rethinking dance history.
• The elements of early European modern dance.
• Feminist perspectives on dance history.
• Dance at the dawn of history.
• History of somatic education and its relationship to dance.
• History of classic theatrical dancing.
• New media use in dance history reconstructions.
• The evolution of dance and sexuality relationship.
• Tools for capturing dance from the past.
• Dances in prehistory.
• Early records of dance performances in historical manuscripts.
• Ancient Greek dance traditions and forms.
• Dancing in Ancient Rome.
• Dance at court: the 16th-17th centuries in Europe.
• Evolution of dance from royal court to theater in the 18th century.
• The early dancing traditions in the 17th-century US.
• Dancing genres in Medieval Europe.
• The history of waltz: origin, evolution of dance elements, and traditions.
• How did the tango dance emerge?
• The emergence of belly dance.
• Flamenco dance history: a style born in Andalusia.
• Historical perspectives on dance research.
• The Ojibwa dance drum: history of the practice.
• Yoeme performs as a narrative of Yaqui history.
• The evolution of African American dance.
• The African roots of Latin American popular dance.
• Ethnographic elements of modern dance performances.
• The dance halls of Britain, 1918-1960.
• A historical overview of social dance.
• Global history of dance development.
• Dance in the French baroque opera.
• The history and meaning of tango dancing in Argentina.
• What materials to use when studying dance history?
• A cultural history of dance in the troubled areas: a case study of Palestine.
• The hidden history of capoeira: intersections of battle craft and dance.

Ballet is a highly formalized dance form with rigid rules and predefined positions. If you’re interested in this classical type of choreography, check out the dance research topics below:

• Is free dance a subtype of ballet?
• The evolution of ballet traditions by Isadora Duncan.
• Russo-American ballet at the start of the 20th century.
• Emerging American ballet: the 1930s onwards.
• Romantic and classical ballet traditions in the 19th century.
• Classical ballet in Russia.
• Classical ballet vs. modern dance: key similarities.
• Injuries in professional ballet.
• Static and functional balance in ballet dance.
• Ballet as a form of ethnic dance.
• The impact of ballet dance attire on female dancers’ self-perception.
• Endurance of pain among ballet dancers.
• The concept of the ideal ballet body.
• Methods of preventing hip and knee injuries in professional ballet.
• Physiological eligibility characteristics for classical ballet.
• Evolution of ballet dancer identity in the process of training.
• Incidence of sprained ankles in ballet dancers.
• Physiological responses to active ballet exercise among dancers of different ages.
• Importance of artistic performance ability in ballet dancers.
• Disordered eating patterns among ballet dancers.
• Management of stress fractures in ballet dancers.
• Ballet dancer career: an international perspective.
• Incidence of scoliosis in young ballet dancers.
• Travesty dancing in the 19th-century ballet tradition.
• Gender issues in ballet.
• The cultural power of ballet.
• Degenerative joint disease risks among female ballet trainees.
• Hip arthrosis as a long-term consequence of ballet training.
• History of the “Apollo’s Angels” ballet.
• Sleep quality in professional ballet dancers.
• Heteromasculinity images among male ballet dancers.
• Postural stability before and after a ballet injury.
• Dance classicism as an ideology.
• Royal Ballet’s dancers and body perception.
• How do professional ballet dancers perceive injury and aging?

Are you looking for research topics about dance in the form of questions? We’ve got you covered! Look through the list below to find good dance topics to research:

• How does dance education foster creativity in children?
• How do feminists view belly dance?
• What is the impact of technology on dance performances?
• How to preserve indigenous peoples’ traditional dance forms?
• How have traditional gender roles been challenged through dance?
• What creative strategies do choreographers employ?
• What is the impact of dance on community building?
• What factors contribute to the commercialization of dance?
• How does dance function as a means of storytelling?
• What is the link between dance and spirituality in different religions?
• What is the role of costumes and stage design in dance performances?
• What are the cognitive benefits of dance for older adults?
• How has ballet adapted to modern artistic movements?
• How has globalization affected the cross-cultural exchange of dance styles?
• What dance styles have been influenced by flamenco?

Do you need help writing an essay on dance? Below, we’ve prepared a short guide with examples. Read on to learn how to write each section of your dance essay.

Dance Essay Introduction

The introduction is the opening paragraph of an essay that should engage the readers. Use a hook to grab the readers’ interest and introduce your topic. It can be a catchy quote, interesting question, or controversial statement.

Hook example : Imagine a world where bodies move in perfect harmony, telling stories without words. That’s the magic of dance, an art form that transcends language and culture, captivating audiences for centuries.

After that, you can provide some background information about the subject. End your introduction with a thesis statement .

Thesis Statement about Dance

The thesis statement outlines the central argument or purpose of the essay. It is the last sentence of your introduction, summarizing the whole paper. Your thesis should include all the main points mentioned in your writing in the same sequence.

Dance thesis example : Dance is not only a form of artistic expression but also a means of communication, a tool for personal growth, and a reflection of cultural identity.

Essay about Dance: Body Paragraphs

The essay’s body contains paragraphs that provide evidence and support for the thesis statement. Each section should begin with a topic sentence that presents a point related to your central argument.

Topic sentence example : One significant aspect of dance is its ability to convey emotions and stories through movement.

Evidence, such as examples, facts, or research, should support the topic sentence. The evidence should be analyzed and explained to show how it supports the thesis statement.

Evidence example : In classical ballet, dancers’ graceful movements and facial expressions can portray a wide range of emotions, from love and joy to sorrow and anger.

Dancing Essay: Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part that summarizes the main points made in the essay’s body. It should also restate the thesis statement in a paraphrased form without introducing new information. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression and a sense of closure.

Conclusion example : In conclusion, dance is a powerful form of expression beyond mere movement. It is a universal language conveying emotions, facilitating personal growth, and reflecting cultural identity.

How to Describe Dancing: Words & Tips

When describing dancing in an essay, use vivid and sensory language to convey the experience. Words such as “graceful,” “rhythmic,” “expressive,” and “dynamic” can capture the movement and style of dancing.

Emotive words like “joy,” “passion,” “energy,” and “freedom” can convey the emotional impact of dancing. Describing the physical sensations of dancing can make the description more immersive. You can write about the feeling of one’s body in motion, the sound of feet tapping, the swish of skirts, or the rush of adrenaline.

Metaphors or similes, such as “floating like a butterfly,” can add depth and creativity. Overall, using vivid language that engages the senses and emotions will benefit your paper.

We hope you found a perfect essay topic in this article. Use our free online title generator to get even more creative topics about dance and writing inspiration.

• Dance 260: Introduction to Dance: Dance Topics | BYU Library
• Dance: Topics in Dance and Dance History | Utah Tech University Library
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• Dancing Styles | Boston University
• Dance 260: Introduction to Dance: Research Help | BYU Library
• Writing a Dance Critique | Utah Tech University Library
• Glossary for Dance | Connecticut’s Official State Website
• Guidelines For Writing a Dance Review | Human Kinetics

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153 Dance Topics & Essay Examples

Whether you’re writing about the importance of dance, modern choreography, or weight loss benefits of dancing as a hobby, we can help. In this article, our team came up with some ideas of what to cover in your paper.

🏆 Best Dance Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

✅ most interesting dance topics to write about, 📑 good research topics about dance, ⭐ dance topics to talk about in your paper, 📌 simple & easy dance titles for essay, ❓ dance essay topics and questions.

• Benefits of Dancing Essay Dance is an art that refers to the movement of part of the body, some of the parts or the whole body while keeping rhythmical to music.
• Exploring Relationship in Raymond Carver’s “Why Don’t You Dance?” In the story, the author juxtaposes the young couple with the man to highlight the solitary existence of the latter. In contrast to the man, the boy and the girl feel as the people around […]
• What Is Dance: Definition and Genres Jazz dancing is a unique dance as it consists of dancers interpreting steps as well as moves in their own way.
• Dance Elements in “Swan Lake” and “Night Journey” Ballets One of the most famous ballet scenes in Swan Lake is the dance of little swans. In terms of choreography and music, it is a good example of art, since each of the three central […]
• Garba Dance, Its History and Specifics: A Traditional Indian Dance The inhabitants of the state believe that the dance dates back to the ancient times of Krishna. I have seen the live performance of Garba at a Navratri festival; both the dance and music were […]
• Dance and Mathematics Relationship Choreographers, in teaching dance techniques, can use knowledge of mathematics, the knowledge is also used to arrange dancers on the stage and control their movements.
• History and Development of Dance The art of dancing was connected by Greeks to the idea of harmony and perfection of human body: therefore, dancing ultimately had to be graceful in order to emphasize and not to destroy the natural […]
• “And the Soul Shall Dance” by Wakako Yamauchi and “Silent Dancing” by Judith Ortiz Cofer: Significance of Dancing as Theme There is only one “dancing” character in Yamauchi’s literary work and though the woman is not the protagonist of the short story, the theme of dancing becomes a central one due to the strength and […]
• Hip Hop Dance The TV shows such as the Wild style, Soul Train and Breakin, Beat Street also contributed in showcasing hip hop dance styles during the early periods of hip hop hype.
• Dance Analysis: Social and Cultural Context A study of dance involves connection of ideas between the past and the present with an aim of improving the quality of performance in regards to other social practices that arise from cultural beliefs.
• “Shall We Dance”: Movie Analysis This leads a person to hide their actions and lead a life of secrecy which is uncomfortable to the individual and people that are around.
• The Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja) Sculpture In the sculpture, Shiva is dancing within a halo of flame, in his right hand holding the damaru, which is a hand drum that made the first sounds of creation, and the agni in his […]
• “The Dance Class” Painting by Edgar Degas In addition to properly chosen techniques and materials, the artist was able to create a story with the past, the present, and the future.
• “Dance of the Dead” by Richard Matheson Although the story mostly belongs to the science fiction genre, its central scene is focused on horror, and more specifically, the horror of the unknown that is emblematic of the dark fantasy genre according to […]
• The Ritual Dance Important Elements On the outside, the ritual dance has all the same elements the other types do: the costumes, the music, the patterns are generally recognizable.
• History of Samba in Brazilian Society: A Traditional Brazilian Dance The word samba is derived from the Angolan word “semba” which means the movement of the body which is described as the act of thrusting forward the body and which requires the contact of the […]
• Impact of the Dance as Education The importance is great for every human being to acquire the vital skills which one will be able to carry through one’s entire life, the skills which will enrich the person’s life and will add […]
• Jazz Dance and Its Techniques The modern and ballet dance styles can be also applied to jazz, as the kind of popular dance styles involves a wide range of dance elements.
• Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self With the help of her essay, Walker is able to write her own autobiography of her early years of life. Towards the end of her essay, it is evident that she is a successful woman […]
• Capoeira Dance History and Popularity This paper discusses the history of capoeira, how people relate to it in Brazil, where it went after the end of slavery in Brazil and its popularity worldwide.
• Traditional Chinese Lion Dance and Its Styles The first performer adorns the head of the lion and the other moves the body of the lion. The Japanese Lion Dance is used in traditional and religious festivals.
• Jazz Social Dance and Impact on American Culture Jazz is one of the common music genres that define the culture and racial history of the United States. Additionally, the nature of jazz dance was a new opportunity for African Americans to describe the […]
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Its History Alvin Ailey is an American dancer and choreographer, the founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, who made a significant contribution to the popularization of modern dance and the emergence of black dancers on […]
• The Grass Dance Cultural Importance Historians believe that the Grass Dance emerged during the early years of The Reservation Period among the warrior societies. This explains that the movement of the dance was meaningful to the natives.
• Modern Dance by Jiri Kylian On the whole, analyzing the first part of the ballet from the beginning, we have to point out the appropriateness of the absence of sound accompaniment, which leads the onlooker to concentrate on the pattern […]
• Dance Writing in Creative and Studying Processes Eventually, the writing did not only feed the creative process but later on was used as an element of the performance, enhancing the experience of spectators, possibly developing more new treatments for the dance and […]
• “The World of Dance” Event As we have already stated, the World of Dance is a unique event in the sphere of art that tries to attract the attention of people across the world.
• Indian Culture: Dances of Rajasthan Diwali is one of the major festivals in the country. Ghoomar dance is also common in the region.
• Flamenco Dance and History of Passion Whenever people think of Spain and the Spanish culture, the first thing that comes to their mind is flamenco the dance of passion and the only way to express the nature of a Spaniard, the […]
• Feminist Films: “Stella Dallas” and “Dance Girl, Dance” In my opinion, the film’s main idea is the relations between the mother and the daughter. In other words, I would like to point out that it is a female subjectivity, which is recognized to […]
• Modern Dance in the United States At the beginning of the XX century, American choreographers and dancers contributed to the development of modern dance by adding their ideas and techniques.
• Nostalgic Feeling Among Asylee Immigrants: The Role of Dance The broad phenomenon of acculturation as a process of adjusting one’s values, beliefs, and habits according to the socio-cultural environment of an individual is an extremely complex social issue.
• Argentine Tango Dance for Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study Hence, over the course of this study, the authors evaluated the effect of the adapted Argentine Tango on the cancer patient’s neurological function.
• The “Bellyache” Dance by Billie Eilish The most identified element of the dance is space and energy, while time is the minor element the audience can recognize. One of the components of dance is time, which dance choreography and performance both […]
• Performance Art: Dance Concept It is recommended to resort to performance art to make the gallery attractive to people and demonstrate its relevance in the modern world.
• Creative Destruction and the Virtual Studio of Sydney Dance Company From his perspective, industrial mutations occur in the form of the revolutionization of economic structures, the destruction of older ways of doing things, and the emergence of the replacing practices or products.
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• Artists in Jazz Music and Dance Development The core areas in this study will include; the presentation, the ensemble, the musical instruments, and the memories of the events.
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• Lindy Hop Dance: Development, Events, Figures Besides, all the aspects of this dance are going to be taken into consideration the movements, the music, and its origin, dressing styles of the performers throughout the years, public perception of this form of […]
• Alvin Ailey’ and Alexander Pushkin’ Views on the Modern Dance In particular, he greatly contributed to the popularization of the so-called modern dance which was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century.
• The Culture of Electronic Dance Music In a bid to realize its aim, the paper discusses the relationship between attending EDM events and the rationality that leads to the consumption of illicit drugs such as ecstasy.
• The CSN Fall Dance Concert Even if a person is informed about some details of the dance concert and the guests, who are going to participate, it is hard to cope with the emotions and attitudes to everything that can […]
• Ghost Dance Religious Movement The circle dance formed the belief systems of the Native Americans and was later given the name the ghost dance. Jack Wilson also known as Wovoka by the Paiute people, was the founder of the […]
• Contemporary Dance: Continuity and Inimitability The study is based on observation of literature sources devoted to contemporary dance and our observation of works of contemporary dance, live and on the video.
• Dancer Alvin Ailey: Techniques and Artistic Choices Alvin Ailey was able to merge dancing techniques which previously seemed to be completely incompatible with one another, and it is one of the major achievements in the history of choreography because such artistic choices […]
• Dance: Alonzo King Lines Ballet Choreography is one of the strongest aspects of the performance. The entire attention is drawn to the dancers and the dance.
• Chicano Folklore: Mexican Folk Dance Some musicians have also supported this subgenre in different parts of the world. This genre also portrays the realities and experiences of many Mexican Americans in the country.
• The Dance Video “Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake 2” The choreographer has also selected the best styles for the dance. This is successful because of the lyrical and comic aspect of the dance.
• Moon – Solo Dance by Yang LiPing It could be defined as a large stage ethnic primitive genre if it was not for the complexity of the hidden innuendoes that the interpretation of the dance suggests.
• Music and Dance as a Part of Our Culture Our family has a unique connection to the dance and music, and how it was used in the family and in social settings.
• Lord of Dance This paper looks at the relevance of the image of Shiva to the Hindu culture, and the disparity between its presence in a temple and display in a museum of art, away from the culture […]
• The Way of Geisha Dance The way of Geisha dance demonstrates to us the importance of maiko in the traditional Japanese culture. The dance is crucial to the lives of many Japanese women.
• Dance Education and Culture The important elements under discussion for all the dance styles analyzed include, the progression, the uniqueness in steps and the relevance of the knowledge gained to the student.
• Miami Dance Project for Autistic Children For me, what the Miami dance project represents is in line with what is known as the concept of confidence building wherein through the development of certain talents children with autism will begin to have […]
• Role of Advertising in Launching a New Dance School In order to launch a new dance school in the US, it would be necessary to analyze the market. Since its establishment in 1905, the institution has managed to offer training services to over 800 […]
• The Tangs Dancing Business The Tangs spent most of their time running their business as a result, they have no time to refine and polish their sales pitch.
• The Taxi Driver and the Dance With Wolves Films In the film Dance with Wolves, the director seems to be unable to convey the poetry and philosophical inclinations of the colonial masters and the natives of India.
• Survey of Contemporary Dances The aim of this report is to present and interpret the results of the survey on the attitude of people to contemporary dances.
• Arts Education: Music, Dance and Theatre They will be able to identify the role of “telephones” and “telephone” operators in their society. According to Moser and McKay, it is critical for the students to learn how to determine the type and […]
• The Cosmic Dance of Siva Conclusively, the aspect on sex as an element, which contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs lacks enough support to qualify as a fact. Therefore, due to the lack of tangible evidence and a testable hypothesis […]
• Ritual and Philippine Folk Dance
• Dance Therapy for Down Syndrome Effects and Improvements
• Dance and Movement Therapy in Cancer Care
• The Differences Between Real Music and Electronic Dance Music
• Capoeira Brazillian Dance: Martial Art
• Classical Ballet and Modern Dance
• American Music and Culture: Jazz Dance
• American History: Indian Tribes and Ghost Dance
• Dance Movements and Enhance Song Learning in Deaf Children With Cochlear Implants
• The Difference Between Lyrical Dance and Ballet
• Dance and Fitness Concepts for the Physically Impaired
• Beauty That Moves: Dance for Parkinson’s Effects, Self-Efficacy, Gait Symmetry, and Dual-Task Performance
• Hypnotic Dance Music
• Dances and Different Styles in Dance Groups
• The Positive and Negative Effects of Dance on the Body
• Art Forms: Painting, Music, Theater, and Dance
• Different Cultural Beliefs About Dance
• Dance and Architecture: Spatiality and Orientation
• Irish Folk and Dance Music – History and Role
• Bollywood Dance Movies and Indian American Identity Formation
• History, Role, and Origin of Merengue Dance
• Polarized America: The Dance of Ideology and Unequal Riches
• The Dancing Brain: Structural and Functional Signatures of Expert Dance Training
• Street Dance: Frolic Progress Towards Unity Amidst Diversity
• Music, Theater, and Dance: From the Inside Out
• Ballet and Modern Dance: A Revolution Between Traditional and Modern Style
• Modern Dance and Gender Relations
• African American Dance Style
• Abstracting Dance: Detaching Ourselves From the Habitual Perception of the Moving Body
• Hip Hop Dance and the Entertainment Industry
• Relationship Between Electronic Dance Music and Drug Use Among Youth
• Honeybee Linguistics Comparative Analysis of the Waggle Dance Among Species of Apis
• The Lakota Sun Dance: An Overview of the Interconnectivity With All Aspects of Lakota Culture and the Changes Incurred During the Reservation Period
• Dance and Body Expression in the Video Dance and the Real World
• Dance Teaching Philosophies
• Pride and Prejudice: The Function of Dance
• Dance, Music, Meter, and Groove: A Forgotten Partnership
• Cause and Effect: Learning to Dance
• The Origin and History of Dance
• Creek and Cherokee Tribes and Traditional Southeastern Dance Decline
• Can Dance Inspire Change in the Society?
• How Does Culture Relate to Dance?
• How Does the Environment Affect the Viewing of the Dance?
• Will Pole Dance Future Olympic Sport?
• Why Is Dance Important to the Culture?
• How Is Electronic Dance Music Taking Over the World?
• How Is Dance Dance Revolution Getting Kids off the Couch?
• What Was the First Type of Dance?
• How Is Dance Used Today in Our Culture?
• What Are the Benefits of Dance in Mental and Emotional?
• How Can Dancing Improve Your Life and Health?
• How Does Dance Reflect Life?
• What Impact Does the Mass Media Have On the Perception of Dance on Society?
• Does the Waggle Dance Help Honey Bees for Longer Distances Than Expected for Their Body Size?
• How Has Dance Changed?
• How Has the Recent Financial Recession Affected the Arts & Dance Industry?
• When Did Dance First Start?
• Can Dance Change the World?
• How Swing Dance and Jazz Music Impacted America?
• Why Ecstasy Associated With Dance Music?
• How Dance Reflects Culture?
• How Does Ballet Relate to Dance?
• Can Dance Help to Express Emotions?
• How Does Dance Reflect Society?
• How Can Dance Inspire Change?
• How Can Dance Inspire Social or Political Change?
• Why Are Dance Lessons Good for Heart?
• How Can Music Make Us Get Up and Dance?
• How Is Ballet Different From Other Dances?
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Thesis Guidelines

These guidelines pertain to the written portion of the MFA thesis.  

Every M.F.A thesis should include:

Introduction, which should include the "who, what, when, where, and why" kind of information, with definitions and delimiting, where appropriate. Your thesis may open with a straightforward statement of what your research questions are, or a story or description that enhances and leads to a statement of what the thesis will be about. Make sure this introduction really does make your study clear and comprehensible to the reader. This is the "tell us what you're going to tell us" section.

Review of the literature, what's been written about the topic before, or relevant writing from other fields, if dance literature hasn't addressed your topic before. This section may include background and contextualizing information deemed necessary for the reader to understand your territory. This is the "tell us what other people have already said that's relevant to the work you're doing" section.

Theory and Methodology. This may be a long or short explanation of how the student has gone about this study. In some cases, it can be an explanation of why one approach is preferred to another; in other cases, it could be a paragraph about primary use of archival or interview sources. This is the section where you show that you aren't just going out and collecting information randomly; you have a plan, and it's a plan based on what will work best to discover what you want to discover.

Body of the Thesis. This is the major description of your work, discoveries made, things uncovered, highlighted, analyzed, considered in depth. This is the "Tell us about it" section.

Conclusion. Recapitulation, assessment, and indication of strengths, weaknesses, and further directions suggested by the study. This is the "tell us what you told us" section.

Notes, Bibliography and Appendices. You can use endnotes, footnotes, intext citation, or a combination, as is appropriate and consistent with a style guide. Appendix material will vary from case to case, perhaps providing an extended background for a topic that would otherwise be too much of a detour in the main text. Tables and statistics would also be found in an appendix. A glossary may also be deemed useful when there are a number of unfamiliar terms to which the reader needs easy access.

Dance M.F.A. thesis checklist:

Follow a style guide (MLA, Chicago Manual of Style); using both in-text citation and footnotes (for longer explanations) is recommended. Keep a thesis notebook with all guiding questions, sources, and advice in one place.

Use headings that will help you define the section of the work you are going to cover, making each section clear within the body of the thesis. Make sure each title relates to what follows and that the sections follow each other logically. Identify everyone you mention in the text (dance historian Wendy Hilton; anthropologist Margaret Mead; dance critic Anna Kisselgoff; dance historian Sally Banes, who has chronicled and commented upon the Judson era extensively, etc).

Make sure you define all key terms, either in the text or at length in a note or glossary. The way you use terms such as "modern dance," "authentic," "natural," or "ritual" may not be as familiar or acceptable to your reader as you think.

Explain the relevance of who and what you quote. Have you assessed and chosen the best examples of sources to make your point? Do you know who is predominate in a given field, especially when it comes to current work in Dance Studies?

Tell the reader why you are quoting at length, if you do, or why you use a particular quotation. Tell the reader why you are describing a scene or a study you read about; don't just expect them to follow you without "guideposts" that keep your source material related to your study.

Write in a way that makes very clear when your source is "talking" and when the opinions and conclusions are yours.

Avoid sweeping generalizations that are unprovable ("Audiences for years have been cheered up by this particular ballet") and statements that start "it is generally agreed that..." or "everyone knows that...".

Notice the date of your sources and assess the currency of the scholarship.

Follow the department's or your thesis adviser's suggested timeline, and make sure your thesis committee members have drafts or the final thesis in time to give you feedback that might necessitate revisions. Expect suggestions and/or demands; your chair will help you sift through which are the most important.

Be attentive to organization, as well as spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Read, re-read and edit constantly before submitting drafts or final copies. Reading out loud and finding a proofreader should be standard practice during the writing, re-writing and editing process.

Pictured: UC Irvine dancers in "Ootoo" by John Crawford and Lisa Naugle, an Active Space telematic performance, 2008.

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• Front Physiol

The Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance and its Effects on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

1 Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China

2 Department of Government and International Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China

3 Department of Sport Physical Education and Health, Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China

Alistair Cole

Julien s. baker, rashmi supriya, tomas k. tong, roger awan-scully.

José Parraça , Universidade de Évora, Portugal

Associated Data

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Background: The aim of this review was to examine the physiological and psychological benefits of dance and its effects on children and adolescents. We consider the therapeutic benefits of dance and outline the potential of dance as an alternative therapy for certain pathologies and medical disorders. Secondly, we summarize the types of dances used in physical interventions, and comment on the methodologies used. Finally, we consider the use of dance as a different exercise modality that may have benefits for increased physical activity generally, and for increased physical education provision in schools.

Methods: A structured search strategy was conducted using the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of science, PsycARTICLES, and Social Science database. This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. Studies that were published in the past 20 years were considered for inclusion. All written publications were searched for in English, and all articles included in this review were peer reviewed full papers.

Conclusion: The key findings from this review indicate that dance is a feasible alternative to traditional physical activity. The findings also indicate that dance provides physiological and psychological benefits to healthy and medically compromised populations. Implementation of dance programs in schools and society generally needs serious consideration by policy makers. We hope that the results of this review stimulate debate and provide the necessary evidence to profile dance as a viable alternative medium of physical activity. Comprehensive and integrated changes will be needed including economical and legislative support from politicians and associated governmental agencies. The findings reported here are important and have implications for health policy change, reconfiguration, and implementation.

1 Introduction

Physical Activity (PA) provides positive health benefits. The benefits include increases in cardiovascular fitness, physiological and psychological health, and musculoskeletal strength. In addition, PA has been successful in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as stroke, diabetic problems, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. PA has also been proven to be beneficial for maintaining a healthy body weight, enhancing quality of life, and contributing to individual well-being ( WHO, 2020 ). PA also contributes positively in influencing social connectedness ( Duberg et al., 2020 ). Equally, a decline in PA or lack of engagement, is one of the major risk factors associated with good health and mortality. Individuals not engaging in PA are prone to a 20%–30% risk of death increase compared to individuals participating in PA ( WHO, 2020 ).

It has also been reported that engagement in regular PA is essential for healthy growth and development in children ( WHO, 2020 ). The growth and developmental period in young people, is a time when negative social, and psychological experiences can affect cognitive, intellectual, and rational development ( Lund et al., 2018 ). In support of this, most preventive strategies have increased success rates when the focus of the preventive strategy occurs in the early years and decades of life ( Kieling et al., 2011 ). The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that young people aged 5–17 years should participate in on average 60 min a day of moderate-to-vigorous exercise. The exercise type should mostly include aerobic activity executed over a 7-day period. The inclusion of high intensity performances, such as strength exercises, for at least 3 days a week is also desirable. The time spent participating in sedentary activities, particularly television and computer screen time, also needs to be minimized ( WHO, 2020 ).

However, despite this, 80% of the world’s adolescent population do not participate in physical activity ( WHO, 2020 ). This figure is particularly alarming in female populations. One reason for lack of participation by females could be related to physical development. As females grow and develop, they become more aware of the significance of femininity, and involvement in exercise is often depicted as not corresponding to this image ( Slater and Tiggemann, 2010 ). This problem has become even more acute during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantine stratagems have had a poor impact on PA. Research has revealed significant decreases in PA during this period ( Tao et al., 2021 ). These undesirable health consequences of quarantine measures, that include psychological stress and greater physical inactivity, need consideration post quarantine to promote increased physical activity and associated health benefits ( Füzéki et al., 2020 ).

Dance movement practice (DMP) is a type of art therapy that has been entrenched in modern culture for 70 years. Dance provides benefits for participants that are both personal and independent. Dance participation also provides physical and mental wellbeing ( Tao et al., 2021 ). Further benefits include defining and consolidating body image; illuminating the ego; providing relief of physical tension, anxiety, and aggression, while decreasing cognitive and kinesthetic confusion. Dance also increases the capacity for interaction, increases pleasure, fun, and impulsiveness ( Jeong et al., 2005 ). In addition, children subjected to emotional illness have certain emotional and physical limitations when engaging in traditional PA. Dance is a physical activity medium that can provide discrete and precise exercise prescriptions for these individuals.

Research related to dance interventions has demonstrated a rising trajectory in recent years. However, dance still needs to be recognized as viable physical activity alternative. In earlier reviews on children and adolescent populations, it was demonstrated that dance therapy could promote beneficial health aspects in children with autism spectrum disorders ( Aithal et al., 2021 ). The research outlined that dance may be associated with positive physical, cognitive and sociological adaptations for children with emotional and physical problems, however, the selection of articles used in the study were of a poor quality and need to be viewed with caution ( May et al., 2021 ). There are a further three articles focusing on the association between dance, well-being and health, however, there are some imperfections in the studies. These include not fully exploring the outcomes of the dance intervention including other types of PA ( Mansfield et al., 2018 ); less coverage for age groups ( Carson et al., 2017 ). In addition, some studies only verified the amount of time spent performing at moderate to vigorous intensities in children and adolescents during the dance class. Further studies need to expand on the potential benefits and exercise intensities and durations used in these groups ( Dos Santos et al., 2021 ). To the best our knowledge, there are no existing studies that have explored fully the benefits of dance interventions for children and adolescents. Further research is required to systematically report on all aspects related to the benefits of dance as a viable physical activity for this population. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to select all the studies utilizing a dance intervention in children and adolescents over the past 20 years; examine the dance intervention method; verify the outcomes; summarize the strengths and limitations of the research; and to provide evidence that dance can be used for children and adolescents as a suitable and viable physical activity in the future.

The four main objectives of this systematic review were to examine: 1) The emotional and physical benefits of dance in children and adolescents; 2) To consider the benefits of dance as an alternative physical activity/therapy for children and adolescents with certain medical disorders; 3) To examine the types of dances selected for the interventions reviewed, and the specific training loads required. This information may be useful for future research and implementation; 4) To consider dance as an alternative PA for school physical education provision.

2 Methodology

2.1 eligibility criteria.

Studies focusing on the use of dance as an intervention and studies that involved children and adolescents inclusive of up to 18 years of age were included. Studies that were written in English and published in the past 20 years were considered. Meta-analyses or systematic review/review articles and pilot studies were excluded. Studies that used professional/semi-professional dancers as participants were also excluded. For inclusion in this review, each selected article must have been subjected to a peer review process prior to publication. In addition, the article had to present a clear, consistent methodology.

2.2 Information Sources and Search Strategy

A literature search was completed on 25 November 2021, articles were found by examining electronic databases to locate research studies that focused on the use of dance as an intervention for children and adolescents. The search methodology used in this study was based on the PICOS system ( Jensen, 2017 ) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines ( Moher et al., 2009 ). PROSPERO Registration Number is CRD42022326748. To locate articles for inclusion in this review the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of science, PsycARTICLES, and Social Science databases were comprehensively searched. Publications were identified for inclusion using the MeSH terms Children OR Teenager OR Adolescent OR Schoolchildren OR Student AND Dance OR Dancing OR Ballroom-dance OR Sport-dance OR Ballet OR Jazz OR Folk-dance OR Hip-Pop OR Square-dance OR Dance-movement-therapy OR Dance-effectiveness OR Dance-interventions. Additionally, other review or systematic review articles were used as guidelines to source articles that matched the inclusion criteria ( Sheppard and Broughton, 2020 ).

2.3 Study Selection and Data Collection Process

Articles used in this review were selected by identification of the search terms contained in the full texts. Articles not meeting the inclusion criteria or meeting the exclusion criteria were discarded. Figure 1 represents a flowchart of the process of identification and selection of relevant studies. The study selection process was confirmed by two authors (DT and JSB). If there was a disagreement between the two authors in the selection process, a third author (RS) contributed to resolving any article selection or exclusion issues.

Flowchart: Article selection process.

Data extraction sheets were then developed. The first author (DT) extracted the data from included studies and the second author (JSB) checked the extracted articles. Any disagreements between authors was resolved by amicable discussion; if no consensus was accomplished, a third author (RS) decided the outcome. The following information for each study was extracted: 1) The citation information; 2) Participants demographics; 3) Dance intervention; 4) Study design/Measurements/Type of data; 5) Key findings.

2.4 Risk of Bias for Individual Studies

Risk of bias variables included random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of patients and personnel, blinding of outcome assessment, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting and other bias was examined following the Cochrane collaboration Risk of Bias Tool ( Higgins and Altman, 2017 ; Higgins et al., 2011 ). 15 RCT studies were divided into three categories, low risk, high risk, or unclear risk (when a study reported inadequate information to rate a specific domain). Risk of bias was also assessed separately using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. This assessment was completed by DT and RS independently; any disagreements on the risk of bias were adjudicated by JSB.

3.1 Study Selection and Characteristics

In total, 179 articles, after excluding duplicates, were identified by the literature search process. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 162 were discarded resulting in 17 remaining articles (see Figure 1 ). Included articles were summarized into tables (see Table 1 and Table 2 for further details). Ten (59%) of the 17 studies recruited females as participants ( Jeong et al., 2005 ; Robinson et al., 2010 ; O’Neill et al., 2011 ; Wagener et al., 2012 ; Duberg et al., 2013 ; Staiano et al., 2017b ; Staiano et al., 2017a ; Duberg et al., 2020 ; Sandberg et al., 2021 ; Högström et al., 2022 ), the remaining seven articles were studies inclusive of both genders ( Morris et al., 2013 ; Anjos and Ferraro, 2018 ; Bollimbala et al., 2019 ; Oppici et al., 2020 ; Goswami et al., 2021 ; Raghupathy et al., 2021 ; Rudd et al., 2021 ). There were 15 (88%) studies that used randomized controlled trials (RCT) ( Jeong et al., 2005 ; Robinson et al., 2010 ; Wagener et al., 2012 ; Duberg et al., 2013 ; Staiano et al., 2017b ; Staiano et al., 2017a ; Anjos and Ferraro, 2018 ; Bollimbala et al., 2019 ; Duberg et al., 2020 ; Oppici et al., 2020 ; Goswami et al., 2021 ; Raghupathy et al., 2021 ; Rudd et al., 2021 ; Sandberg et al., 2021 ; Högström et al., 2022 ), and 8 (47%) studies used both quantitative and qualitative mixed methods to collect data ( Jeong et al., 2005 ; Robinson et al., 2010 ; O’Neill et al., 2011 ; Wagener et al., 2012 ; Duberg et al., 2013 ; Morris et al., 2013 ; Staiano et al., 2017a ; Goswami et al., 2021 ). Included studies examined objective indicators and self-reported measurements with physiological (41%) ( O’Neill et al., 2011 ; Morris et al., 2013 ; Staiano et al., 2017b ; Staiano et al., 2017a ; Anjos and Ferraro, 2018 ; Sandberg et al., 2021 ; Högström et al., 2022 ). psychological (47%) ( Jeong et al., 2005 ; Robinson et al., 2010 ; Wagener et al., 2012 ; Duberg et al., 2013 ; Bollimbala et al., 2019 ; Duberg et al., 2020 ; Oppici et al., 2020 ; Rudd et al., 2021 ) and medical (12%) ( Goswami et al., 2021 ; Raghupathy et al., 2021 ) included as the three main aspects of this study. The results and key concepts of the review are discussed below.

Summary of participant age groups, research design, methodological approach and outcome examined.

Other type in the dance intervention part = Exergaming, African dance, Jazz dance, street, Contemporary dance, Traditional India dance, Folk dance, India classical dance, Hip-pop, Step dance, Educational dance, Dance-based PE, Dance and Yoga.

Detailed summary of the study details.

3.2 Risk of Bias Within Individual Studies

A summary of the risk of bias assessment is shown in Figure 2 . Each study is outlined in Figure 3 . According to the assessment criteria no studies were rated as being of low risk of bias. The primary reason for a high risk of bias was the lack of participant and personnel blinding (60%) across the majority of studies; other reasons were incomplete outcome data (20%) and other bias (20%) (the authors explained in the risk factors that may influence the results of the study) separately. Selective reporting (80%) and random sequence generation (67%) items in most studies were rated as low risk of bias, and most studies rated as being unclear risk of bias due to lack of clear reporting in allocation concealment (87%), other bias included (67%) and blinding of outcome assessment (53%) items.

The summary of risk of bias.

Risk of bias for each study.

3.3 Dance Selection

There is no consensus regarding the dance intervention type or intervention duration period in the existing literature. The ideal intervention would include different dance types for matching different participants (gender, religion, etc.). During the intervention, teaching supportively and non-judgmentally were important. A further important factor for consideration during dance implementation studies was cultural diversity. Certain traditional or special dances for certain areas and populations may demonstrate greater participation and better intervention performances and results. For further information see Table 2 .

In relation to the articles selected for this review, they mainly included African dance ( Robinson et al., 2010 ; Duberg et al., 2013 ; Duberg et al., 2020 ; Sandberg et al., 2021 ), Jazz ( O’Neill et al., 2011 ; Duberg et al., 2013 ; Duberg et al., 2020 ; Oppici et al., 2020 ; Sandberg et al., 2021 ), Contemporary dance ( Duberg et al., 2013 ; Sandberg et al., 2021 ), Exergaming video dance ( Wagener et al., 2012 ; Staiano et al., 2017b ; Staiano et al., 2017a ), Ballet ( O’Neill et al., 2011 ), Jazz dance, Tap dance ( O’Neill et al., 2011 ), Street dance ( Duberg et al., 2020 ; Sandberg et al., 2021 ), Hip-pop ( Robinson et al., 2010 ), Step dance ( Robinson et al., 2010 ), Fork dance ( Bollimbala et al., 2019 ), Traditional Indian dance ( Raghupathy et al., 2021 ), Education dance ( Anjos and Ferraro, 2018 ), Dance combined with Yoga ( Högström et al., 2022 ), and specially choreographed dance routine ( Jeong et al., 2005 ; Morris et al., 2013 ; Bollimbala et al., 2019 ; Goswami et al., 2021 ; Rudd et al., 2021 ).

For ethical reasons, control groups should be offered dance interventions following completion of the studies. Researchers should ensure professional choreography of dance interventions and make the routines both physically intense and enjoyable. Researchers should also consider the acceptability of dance for males in the process of wide-ranging dance promotion.

3.4 Intervention Monitoring

It is very important in dance study design to monitor intervention training loads. During dance interventions, setting a related exercise target Heart Rate (HR) to ensure that participants reach a predetermined level of exercise is essential. Depending on physical fitness levels, population groups, and ability, variations in intensity of exercise including high-intensity exercise or moderate to vigorous exercise may be used. The intervention duration should be longer than the time required for habit-forming at least to allow participants to continue dancing following the intervention. This important methodological issue has been neglected in previous studies. Only certain articles mentioned intervention monitoring, such as the use of Heart Rate ( Wagener et al., 2012 ), and the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) ( Borg 1998 ). However, scientific and professional monitoring of training intensities is lacking; experimental design and interventions are needed that are based on strong scientific evidence or follow the WHO guidelines ( WHO, 2020 ).

3.5 Outcome Measure Summary

Outcome measures outlined in this review include objective measurement methods and self-rated measures of activity. We suggest that a combination of these two measurement methodologies will provide a more complete understanding of the participants’ responses to the intervention results based on desired outcome measures (See Table 2 ).

Of the articles selected for this review, articles included objective measurements, such as anthropometric measurements ( Robinson et al., 2010 ; O’Neill et al., 2011 ; Staiano et al., 2017a ; Staiano et al., 2017b ), physical activity levels ( Robinson et al., 2010 ; O’Neill et al., 2011 ; Morris et al., 2013 ), heart rate (HR) ( Robinson et al., 2010 ; Robinson et al., 2010 ; O’Neill et al., 2011 ; Staiano et al., 2017b ), body mass index (BMI) ( Robinson et al., 2010 ; Morris et al., 2013 ; Staiano et al., 2017b ), blood pressure (BP) ( Högström et al., 2022 ), blood samples for total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LOD)-cholesterol, body composition ( Robinson et al., 2010 ; Staiano et al., 2017b ), Four-Square Step Test (FSST) ( Raghupathy et al., 2021 ), Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) ( Raghupathy et al., 2021 ), plasma serotonin and dopamine concentrations ( Jeong et al., 2005 ), 6-minute-walk-test, 10-minute-fast-walk-test ( Goswami et al., 2021 ), executive functions ( Oppici et al., 2020 ; Rudd et al., 2021 ), motor development ( Anjos and Ferraro, 2018 ; Goswami et al., 2021 ; Raghupathy et al., 2021 ).

Questionnaire measurements, included the Perceived Competence Scale (PCS) ( Wagener et al., 2012 ), Adolescent Self-Report Scales (SRP-A) ( Wagener et al., 2012 ), Measure of Psychological Distress (SCL-90-R) ( Jeong et al., 2005 ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ( Sandberg et al., 2021 ), the scale for Self-efficacy for Physical Activity, the scale for Self-efficacy for Healthy Eating ( Morris et al., 2013 ), Symptom Check List-90-Revison (SCL-90-R), Child Behavior Checklist ( Oppici et al., 2020 ), McKnight Risk Factor Survey; Female African American Pre-adolescent Body Figure Silhouettes; 10-item short form of the Children’s Depression Inventory; 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale ( Robinson et al., 2010 ), Godin-Shephard Leisure Time PA, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory to assess their enjoyment and experience of playing exergames ( Staiano et al., 2017a ).

Outcome measures also included measures derived from the authors, such as participants-reported competency regarding maintaining regular exercise, internalizing and externalizing symptomatology, social stress, relationship with parents, interpersonal relationships, social skill and pro-social behaviors ( Wagener et al., 2012 ), knowledge of healthy lifestyles test ( Morris et al., 2013 ), questions regarding lifestyle, self-rated health, emotional distress, psychosomatic symptoms, feelings, depression, sleep, school, interests, friends, leisure time, and how the subjects enjoyed dance ( Duberg et al., 2013 ), maximum abdominal pain ( Högström et al., 2022 ), somatic symptoms and emotional distress ( Duberg et al., 2020 ), executive functions, working memory capacity, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and motor competence ( Rudd et al., 2021 ).

4 Discussion

4.1 physiological benefits of dance, 4.1.1 dance intervention contributed to access to physical activity.

An acceptable exercise should be enjoyable, fun, safe and make the participants feel elated. The high participation rate and ease of acceptance and performance made dance interventions a sustainable and flexible alternative mediator to increase physical activity. Dance intervention programs can be performed in safe community spaces, free of charge. This provides a good opportunity for the parents to have more communication and social interaction with their children while facilitating intergenerational togetherness. These are good social outcomes for parental involvement with children in addition to providing a good family exercise environment ( Morris et al., 2013 ). Previously, a dance study enrolled 149 girls (11–18 years-old) into dance intervention group. Activity was performed using structured dance classes in a dance studio. Dancing occupied 29 percent of the individual’s moderate-to vigorous-physical activity (MVPA) (within 1 week). During intervention days the female participants were 70% more MVPA than non-program time ( O’Neill et al., 2011 ).

4.1.2 Physical Fitness Improvement

Young people aged between 15 and 24 years encounter greater daytime fatigue than other age groups; this problem seems to be more severe among girls. Daytime tiredness increases in adolescents with health problems, these include sleep disturbances, and mental health issues. These associated psychological issues, somatic problems, and negative attitudes towards life decrease school achievement and satisfaction ( Sandberg et al., 2021 ). An article investigating 8 months dance intervention, using a total of 48 classes over 24 weeks (except holidays), found that daytime fatigue significantly decreased in a dance intervention cohort at 8 months ( p = 0.024). Follow up measures observed that there were still decreases at 12- and 20-months post intervention separately. The quality of sleep indicators also improved during the dance intervention. These included, falling asleep ( p = 0.0037), less worried sleep ( p = 0.041), and waking up during the night ( p = 0.023). Daytime fatigue decreased without changes in sleep time, which suggests improvements in both sleep quality and well-being. The findings also indicate the facilitation of the creation of a healthy positive sleep cycle ( Sandberg et al., 2021 ).

4.1.3 Dance in Combination With Traditional Physical Activity

A previous investigation examined combining a dance intervention with running activity using primary school students. The physical activity level, skinfolds reduction and endurance fitness showed the significant increases ( p < 0.05) compared with a control group. For the secondary measurements, there were no change in dietary variables, knowledge, and majority of psychological indicators. However, the participants, teachers, and parents all responded positively. From the pupil’s perspective, most pupils enjoyed practicing dance and had a positive experience from joining the dance competitions. The parents all expressed that their children had a pleasant feeling from participating from the program, and because of their involvement, had become more aware of their own physical activity lifestyles ( Morris et al., 2013 ). Dance also seems to have a positive effect on certain neuromuscular and neurovascular conditions.

Globally, 13.5% of school-aged children are affected by functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). FAPDs include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, abdominal migraine, and functional abdominal pain (FAP). Abdominal pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, reduced life quality, and school absenteeism ( Högström et al., 2022 ). Previously, a research article demonstrated that Yoga had beneficial effects in reducing pain intensity, absenteeism, and IBS-related symptoms. Dance is a relaxed rhythmical activity, and when combined with yoga, seems to provide physical and mental benefits that reduce pain. In addition, dance is an extremely popular activity for young females. This research examined the benefits of dance and yoga on FAP using a female population. The 121 participants in the study were 9–13 years old girls who were diagnosed with FAP or IBS with persistent pain. The dance and yoga interventions were performed on two occasions per week lasting 8 months conducted during after-school courses. The key findings indicated that dance in association with yoga works better for this population than standard conventional health care methods for reducing maximum pain aspects. We can further hypothesize that these activities in combination might have been the strength of this intervention, as dance contributes to cardiorespiratory and rhythmic aspects of movement while yoga helps with focus, relaxation, and introspection ( Högström et al., 2022 ). The socialization potential of the intervention may also have had positive impacts. Opportunities to engage with new friends and to observe other girls suffering from similar symptoms may have also helped facilitate the positive responses observed.

4.1.4 Dance in Games

Over 60% of adolescents spend 73 min/day on video games ( Staiano et al., 2017b ). High levels of traditional and digital media use are linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental problems over the life course. These risks and associations have been observed to start in early childhood. Prolonged media use during preschool years is associated with increases in Body Mass Index (BMI). Body weight gain may be difficult to regress in combination with other risk factors, which increases the risk for greater weight gain and illness later in adult life ( Robinson et al., 2010 ). This statement agrees with an international study that included almost three hundred thousand children and adolescents; the researchers found that watching TV 1–3 h per day led to a 10%–27% increase in obesity ( Braithwaite et al., 2013 ).

As a result of the upsurge in computer use, some research studies have combined games and dance to cater for the characteristics of children and adolescents associated with media use and to minimize the effects of sedentary screen time. Dance-related computer games can increase the enjoyment and motivation of participation by allowing children and adolescents to take the initiative in selecting the variables of interest during the game. For example, participants can select the intensity levels, dance routines/mode, dance music, even dance game partners. In a research study investigating 36 h of dance exergaming lasting 12 weeks, researchers observed a decrease in adiposity and an increase in bone mineral density compared to a non-exercising control group ( Staiano et al., 2017b ). Furthermore, active video games (exergaming) facilitate exercise in a comfortable home environment, helps with exercise adherence and facilitates positive long-term changes in behavior. Recent studies have found exergaming to be far greater in enhancing energy expenditure when compared with non-active video games. The energy expenditure values obtained suggest that the intensities are comparable with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise ( Wagener et al., 2012 ).

Active video game (exergaming) participation requires entire body movements. This results in light to moderate increases in energy expenditure and elevated heart rates. This could contribute to weight reduction and health benefits ( Staiano et al., 2017a ). In group settings, active video gaming may have benefits for increasing self-efficacy related to PA. There may also be beneficial effects for intrinsic motivation. Social cognitive theory suggests that behavioral change results from links among behaviors, the environment, and psychosocial variables ( Staiano et al., 2017a ). Group cohesion resulting from digital game play may be appealing to obese young people. These individuals are less likely to engage in traditional sports owing to excess weight, criticism, and bullying. Group active video play may provide a method of improving poor psychosocial health experienced by overweight and obese young people and facilitate increases in total PA levels ( Staiano et al., 2017a ). Future research is needed to investigate exergames and the design of dance games as enjoyable, sociable, motivating, and effective physical activity devices.

4.1.5 Motor Development

Motor development defines physical growth and the strengthening of a child’s bones and muscles. It also defines an ability to move and touch his/her surroundings. For instance, if a child is good at gross motor skills such as crawling or walking, this affects cognitive development because he/she can easily move and explore their physical environment. In recent times, most children do not participate in PA outdoors; their favorite games no longer require large movements, and instead of using sports halls and open spaces, games are mostly played on cell phones, computers, or tablets ( Anjos and Ferraro, 2018 ).

A randomized control study investigated a group who attended two classes of dance per week, over a 7-month period. The intervention was a specialized modified educational dance program. Using creative and ludic proposals, the intervention challenged the subjects to discover and experiment with new movement patterns and discover new ways of implementing the movements they already knew. The results of the study demonstrated significant improvements in motor development capabilities of the students exposed to educational dance lessons, compared with a control group. Both groups obtained positive results; however, the dance intervention group improved more. The improvements observed for motor skill development were maintained following cessation of the program. The author of the experiment stated that the practice of educational dance should be longitudinal as motor development is permanently evolving ( Anjos and Ferraro, 2018 ).

4.2 Psychological Benefits of Dance

4.2.1 alleviation of depressive symptoms.

A recent experiment focused on African-American girls aged 8–10 years old and their parents or guardians who were involved in a dance intervention lasting 2 years. Fasting total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and depressive symptoms decreased significantly among girls in the dance treatment group. There were no significant differences between groups for BMI ( Robinson et al., 2010 ). A further study examined 12 weeks of dance movement therapy in adolescents with mild depression. The results suggested that dance movement therapy demonstrated positive improvements in the symptoms such as somatization, obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. All these variables are related to negative metal health problems ( Jeong et al., 2005 ). Fatigue, stress, insomnia, and psychological symptoms are directly or indirectly linked to circulating levels of serotonin and dopamine. The increased plasma serotonin concentrations and decreased dopamine concentrations indicate possible therapeutic benefits for the decreases in depression observed in the dance movement therapy group ( Jeong et al., 2005 ).

4.2.2 Perceived Competence

Obese adolescents have sedentary existences and report feelings of embarrassment, fear of victimization and poor self-confidence about their ability to engage in exercise in group situations as powerful reasons for non-participation in physical activity ( Wagener et al., 2012 ). In relation to this, a recent study considered a dance exergaming program in obese adolescents. The findings from the study indicated that the intervention group increased their perceived competence to participate in exercise from the start to the end of an exercise period compared with a control group ( Wagener et al., 2012 ). Further benefits were that participants reported that there was an improvement in relationships with their parents. There was also a meaningful change in a high percentage of participants in the exergaming intervention that experienced improved internalizing and externalizing symptoms from baseline to the end of treatment compared to the control group. In addition, there was a very high adherence rate (98%) suggesting that group dance exergaming had a positive impact on improving obese adolescents’ self-efficacy to continue exercising and to cope with any perceived barriers to exercise ( Wagener et al., 2012 ).

4.2.3 Executive Function

Executive function plays a crucial role during childhood development. The developments include working memory capacity, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility ( Rudd et al., 2021 ). Executive function is a particular area of interest during the developmental stages of early childhood and has been observed to be a superior indicator of academic achievement than IQ or socio-economic status ( Oppici et al., 2020 ). Children with limited executive function are prone to a broad range of poor health and wellbeing outcomes in adulthood. Working memory is essential for understanding and making sense of new experiences as children develop over time. Low working memory capacity has been linked with poorer performance academically. As a result, designing suitable physical activity interventions that can improve working memory capacity in children are desirable and advantageous for children’s development. The improvements in executive function will eventually lead to a more intellectual and capable society ( Oppici et al., 2020 ).

Dance is often accompanied by music to create a constant sense of pleasure and motor stimulation, that is, synchronized with performance. This also provides participants with many opportunities for whole-body movement. To investigate this, an RCT that included an 8-weeks intervention was administered to 6–7-year-old children to assess the efficacy of four executive function measures. The measures were working memory capacity, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and motor competence. The interventions included two dance syllabuses. The results showed that both dance syllabuses improved inhibitory control ability. The choreographed syllabus also developed working memory capacity; unfortunately, the improvement of motor competence did not exceed normal development ( Rudd et al., 2021 ).

A further study explored the effects of working memory capacity and motor competence in primary school children using different teaching pedagogies and different cognitive challenges; the experimental results showed no statistically significant differences between groups. However, the dance teachers added a cognitive challenge by limited visual presentations and encouraged children to use memories and recall movement sequences in the high-cognitive group. The results of the study demonstrated the possibility and suitability of using dance practice in combination with high cognitive challenges to improve working memory and motor competence in children. It also contributed to social skills development and the integration and enhancement of emotional elements resulting from performing in groups ( Oppici et al., 2020 ). In addition to the benefits of dance enhancing executive function, dance has been shown to be advantageous in the development of convergent thinking. Convergent thinking is associated with the process of solving problems and finding a solution to a problem ( Bollimbala et al., 2019 ). Recent studies have shown that a 20-min dance protocol as part of a regular 30-min physical education session contributed to an improvement in convergent thinking (irrespective of their BMI status). An RCT study did not establish a correlation between dance class and the development of creative potential. However, in terms of divergent thinking components (fluency and flexibility), participants with normal BMI showed improvements following a dance class intervention. The dance class group also demonstrated an increase in convergent thinking compared to the control group ( Bollimbala et al., 2019 ).

4.2.4 Internalizing Problems

Internalizing problems include depressed mood, low self-worth, and psychosomatic symptoms. Adolescent psychological health problems may have long-term negative effects on personal development; such as poor academic performance, social dysfunction, substance abuse, and suicide, especially in girls. Mental health problems have been cited to be some of the most alarming health issues and are estimated to affect 13% of children and adolescents globally. Female adolescents demonstrate a greater prevalence of health problems than their male counterparts. Females also experience greater levels of stress and somatic symptoms, and are more likely to experience pain and depression ( Duberg et al., 2020 ). Results of an RCT demonstrated that a dance intervention significantly reduced somatic symptoms and emotional distress in adolescent girls after 8 months compared with traditional school health services ( Duberg et al., 2020 ).

Another important study comprising adolescent girls aged 13–18 years old with internalizing problems who reported symptoms including pains in the head, stomach, neck, back, and/or shoulder, persistent feelings of tiredness, being worried, and being in low spirits, was completed using dance as the intervention. The intervention lasted 8 months, and self-rated health was measured using a single-item questionnaire which included general health, well-being, perceptions of symptoms, and vulnerability. The questionnaire has also been demonstrated to be both valid and reliable ( Duberg et al., 2013 ). The dance intervention group improved their self-rated health far greater than the control group. The effects of the intervention remained for several months post intervention cessation. In addition, the results also demonstrated high adherence to the intervention and a positive experience for participants. This suggests that an intervention using dance is suitable for adolescent girls with internalizing problems ( Duberg et al., 2013 ). The females participating in the study found the dance intervention to be enjoyable and undemanding, without any of the usual school pressures. The girls included had opportunities to provide input into the dance classes regarding the choice of music, and the girls participated in the creation of the choreography used. This may have created a sense of ownership for the participants, and the social developmental aspects are also important. The opportunity to make new friends and spend time participating in something they enjoy with others who have similar interests might be a powerful issue affecting recruitment, retention, and interest to participate ( Duberg et al., 2013 ).

4.3 Medical Benefits of Dance

Down Syndrome (DS) is a congenital, genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra partial or complete copy of chromosome 21. The neuromotor, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems are functionally problematic in children with DS and this impacts on their quality of life. Approximately fifty-eight percent of children with DS fail to meet the recommended 60 min of PA per day.

Traditional neuromuscular training lacks fun, creativity, and movement exploration. As an aesthetic movement art form, dance also has a positive psychotherapeutic impact, which may improve the intelligence and dual tasking of children with DS. In addition, children express their creativity and emotions such as joy, fun and happiness in the process of practicing and participating in dance, which provides children with body awareness, enthusiasm, and confidence. Ballet and Laban’s dance have been demonstrated to improve balance, rhythm, and autonomous control in children who were DS patients. A previous study used traditional Indian dance as an intervention investigating outcomes in 36 children with DS. Traditional Indian dance appeared to be beneficial for improving locomotor skills and balance capacity in children with DS. The intervention was more effective when compared with traditional neuromuscular training. There were no adverse movement effects or discomfort recorded during and following the dance sessions. These findings outline the safety and feasibility of Indian dance regimes for this group ( Raghupathy et al., 2021 ).

In addition to the studies mentioned above, a further RCT investigating dance performance outcomes included children between the ages of 5 and 12 years, clinically diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The participants had Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Scores of II/III. In this study, dance exercise was one of eight activities that all children were expected to perform. The study evaluated the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of home-based activity rehabilitation programs for children with diplegic CP. The results of the study and methodology used suggested that dance exercise was a good choice to be added to this activity package for diplegic CP sufferers ( Cygan et al., 2020 ; Goswami et al., 2021 ).

4.4 Strengths and Limitations

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review investigating children and adolescent development using dance as an intervention. For inclusion in this review, each selected article was subjected to a peer review process prior to publication. In addition, each article had to present a clear, consistent methodology which added to research integrity.

Limitations of this review include that some of the articles only used females as participants. Therefore, generalizations about the study findings to male populations are difficult. Future studies should focus on the adaptations of dance interventions using both genders as participants. This will provide compelling evidence about the benefits of dance while minimizing the effects of gender specificity. A further limitation was that some of the studies outlined in this review used self-reported measurement tools. This may have introduced an element of recall bias. There was also a limited number of articles that were deemed suitable for inclusion based on the selection criteria.

5 Implications of Dance Exercise

Schools in many countries have traditionally hosted some form of health education program to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors related to health awareness. Schools are in a unique position to provide healthy and academic outcomes via the implementation of health and wellness policies. Most children spend more time in school than any other location except for the home. Schools are crucial and practical for managing and providing information about childhood health risks. Because of the relationships between health status and the ability to learn, schools are in an exclusive location to influence healthy lifestyles for students by health policy implementation. Schools need to seriously consider this advantageous position to produce a solid healthy foundation in the growth stage of children that will have an important and positive impact on individuals, families, and society.

Dance and in particular creative dance, enriches the performance, composition, and appreciation of human movement, with a particular focus on producing aesthetic value. Dance performed in groups provides a social type of physical activity. Dance is also beneficial for increasing self-trust, self-esteem, and self-expression in children and adolescents ( Duberg et al., 2020 ).

Students who engage in dance at school show greater initial socialization skills and better academic achievement compared with individuals who do not participate in dance. Dance internalizes the systems involved in art forms, and both children and adolescents can use the experience gained as tools for thinking, behaving, and regulating the inner world of their minds. Certain schools in Mainland China, provide dance programs as part of after-curriculum activities that are available on a weekly basis.

The findings reported here can be of value to practitioners, policymakers, and educational staff. Because of teaching experience and having witnessed the positive effects of providing students with a broad selection of physical activities, many teachers and practitioners support dance-based physical education (PE). Despite this, dance-based schemes remain vulnerable to exclusion from the PE curriculum. This is more likely in schools where PE is viewed as a developmental tool for the preparation for participation in competitive sport. Certain schools also view PE lessons as a medium to enhance and refine elite athletic performers. Further research is needed to examine if participation in dance enhances athletic performance, increases competitiveness, and is complementary to athletic development. The findings of this review could be interpreted as providing further evidence for the value of retaining and developing dance-based PE in the school curriculum. The findings also support the importance of dance in physical education provision more generally.

A consensus survey of PE teachers should be conducted to understand the views and feasibility of PE teachers regarding including dance as a part of PE curriculum and the implementation of dance for the existing curriculum and syllabus. There are also essential factors such as teacher training and curriculum development that need consideration. In the long term, overall improvements in health and physical fitness parameters result in improvements in the quality of life for individuals. Health policy amendments are needed to provide further support for the place of dance within the physical education curriculum.

6 Conclusion

In conclusion, dance develops relationships, connects people, and increases feelings of joy and togetherness. Dance has virtually no venue restrictions. It can be practiced at home, in isolation, in groups, or anywhere with suitable spaces. Dance requires no special equipment, and this characteristic is suitable for low-income families and financially limited regions and countries. In summary, dance can be used as an appropriate and alternative physical activity mode for children and adolescents. The implementation of dance programs needs serious consideration by policy makers, schools, guardians and parents to produce greater long-term increases in physical activity in the foreseeable future. We hope that this systematic review will stimulate debate and provide more evidence for governments, schools, parents, and associated community officials to attach importance to dance as a medium of physical activity. Comprehensive and integrated changes are needed in relation to school/family/government/community partnerships. These changes include political and financial support from policy makers, and increased dance evaluation research that are important for a physical activity health policy reconfiguration and subsequent implementation.

Data Availability Statement

Author contributions.

The manuscript underwent several revisions with substantial contributions provided by each co-author. DT and JSB designed the study and the data synthesis strategy. DT conducted the systematic review, extracted and summarized the data and created the figures and tables. DT and JSB wrote the present manuscript, while AC, RA-S, RS, YGU, TKT, QH, and YG contributed the writing and critically revised the paper. All authors provided critical feedback, and read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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• May T., Chan E. S., Lindor E., McGinley J., Skouteris H., Austin D., et al. (2021). Physical, Cognitive, Psychological and Social Effects of Dance in Children with Disabilities: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis . Disabil. Rehabilitation 43 ( 1 ), 13–26. 10.1080/09638288.2019.1615139 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Moher D., Liberati A., Tetzlaff J., Altman D. G. (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the PRISMA Statement . J. Clin. Epidemiol. 62 ( 10 ), 1006–1012. 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.005 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
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• Oppici L., Rudd J. R., Buszard T., Spittle S. (2020). Efficacy of a 7-week Dance (RCT) PE Curriculum with Different Teaching Pedagogies and Levels of Cognitive Challenge to Improve Working Memory Capacity and Motor Competence in 8-10 Years Old Children . Psychol. Sport Exerc. 50 , 101675. 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101675 [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
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Essay on Dance

500 words essay on dance.

Dancer refers to a series of set of movement to music which we can either do alone or with a partner. Dancing helps us express our feelings and get active as well. If we look back at history, dance has been a part of our human history since the earliest records. Thus, an essay on dance will take us through it in detail.

My Hobby My Passion

Dance is my favourite hobby and I enjoy dancing a lot. I started dancing when I was five years old and when I got older; my parents enrolled me in dance classes to pursue this passion.

I cannot go a day without dance, that’s how much I love dancing. I tried many dance forms but discovered that I am most comfortable in Indian classical dance. Thus, I am learning Kathak from my dance teacher.

I aspire to become a renowned Kathak dancer so that I can represent this classical dance internationally. Dancing makes me feel happy and relaxed, thus I love to dance. I always participate in dance competitions at my school and have even won a few.

Dance became my passion from an early age. Listening to the beats of a dance number, I started to tap my feet and my parents recognized my talent for dance. Even when I am sad, I put on music to dance to vent out my feelings.

Thus, dance has been very therapeutic for me as well. In other words, it is not only an escape from the world but also a therapy for me.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Hidden Language of the Soul

Dance is also called the hidden language of the soul as we use it to express ourselves when words fall short. The joy which comes with dancing helps us get over our sorrow and adversity sometimes.

Moreover, it is simply a translator for our hearts. What is most important to remember is that dance is not supposed to be perfect. There is no right way of dancing, as long as your heart is happy, you can dance.

When we talk about dance, usually a professional dancer comes to our mind. But, this is where we go wrong. Dance is for anybody and everybody from a ballet dancer to the uncle dancing at a wedding .

It is what unites us and helps us come together to celebrate joy and express our feelings. Therefore, we must all dance without worrying if we are doing it right or not. It is essential to understand that when you let go of yourself in dance, you truly enjoy it only then.

Conclusion of the Essay on Dance

All in all, dance is something which anyone can do. There is no right way or wrong way to dance, there is just a dance. The only hard part is taking the first step, after that, everything becomes easier. So, we must always dance our heart out and let our body move to the rhythm of music freely.

FAQ of Essay on Dance

Question 1: Why is Dance important?

Answer 1: Dance teaches us the significance of movement and fitness in a variety of ways through a selection of disciplines. It helps us learn to coordinate muscles to move through proper positions. Moreover, it is a great activity to pursue at almost any age.

Question 2: What is dancing for you?

Answer 2: Dancing can enhance our muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness. In addition, it is also a great way to meet new friends. Most importantly, it brings happiness to us and helps us relax and take a break from the monotony of life.

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Home > Thesis & Capstone Collection > Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This thesis collection represents graduate student work from the Creative Arts Therapies department (formerly Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling) in the School of Fine & Performing Arts at Columbia College Chicago.

Rooted in the rich history of dance/movement therapy, the department is guided by student‐centered practitioners and scholars who value artistic excellence. The Department of Creative Arts Therapies educates students to become leaders in the professional application of the arts within a discernible scope of credentialed practice.

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A Dance/Movement Therapist's Perspective on Self-Regulation With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability , Nicole Louise Anderson

Past, Present, Future: A program development exploring Post Traumatic slave syndrome (PTSS) using experimental learning and dance/movement therapy based approaches , Bria Campbell

Stuck in Somatic Countertransference: A Heuristic Study , Katie Hochleutner

therARTpIST: an artisitc inquiry on the interplay of identities , Alisha Sue-Yi Jihn

The Manzano Movement Method (M3): Development of a Dance/Movement Therapy-Influenced Seated Ballroom Dance Program for Adult Day Services for Persons with Dementia , Joshua Reese "Zano" Manzano

Dance/Movement Therapy Utilizing Therapy Dogs for Adults Diagnosed with Psychotic Disorders , Alyssa Danielle Owens

Developing Cultural Awareness Throught Body-Based Skills and Movement with Children in the Catholic Charities of Joliet Head Start Classroom , Natiya M. Reggans

Making Meaning of Repetitious Movement Patterns: A Heuristic Inquiry , Elise Marie Ringenberg

Caring for the Whole Clinician: A Body-Based Framwork for Self-Care and Supervision , Aliza Roth

Many Truths: A Case Record Review of How Teaching a Dance Class for Students with Special Needs Shaped My Professional Identity , Shauna D. Shrewsbury

Grief Moves: An Embodied Artistic Inquiry Into Losing and Finding the Self , Joanna Taubeneck

Effectively Integrating Dance/Movement Therapy and Restorative Justice into High School Programs , Tia Vegemast

A Heuristic Inquiry: Engaging with Spirituality as Self-Care , Meredith E. Weissert

I Don't Know: An Artistic Inquiry Self-Study of Clinical Decision Making in Dance/Movement Therapy , Sarah Wiltgen

Dance/Movement Therapy Techniques for Helping Actors Exit Character and Emotion: A Program Development Project , Alison Vodnoy Wolf

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Cultural Differences in Group Therapy: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Embodied Experience of the Cultural Bump , Natalie R. Breitmeyer

Safety First: Fostering the Neurological Experience of Safety in Dance/Movement Therapy Sessions for Survivors of Sexual Trauma , Chelsea Joy Davis

Encountering Disenfranchised Grief: A Pilot Investigation of the Clinical Lived Experiences in Dance/Movement Therapy , Kate M. Dominguez

Role Exploration: A Heuristic Study Into How Various Roles Influence the Role of Emerging Dance/Movement Therapist , Patrick Thomas Justin

An Annotated Bibliography of Creative Interventions Within Dance/Movement Therapy , Kaitlynn Kavanaugh

Decluttering the Mind: A Creative Approach Towards Becoming , Jessica Ann Lochte

Exploring Kinesthethic Empathy in the Medical Setting: A Heuristic Inquiry , Jenna Maltby

Engaging Collective Embodied Resilience, Enacting Ritual Movement Practice in a Social Change Process , Lauren Rose Milburn

Kuelewa: Evaluating the JABE Therapeutic Dance Program in Kibera , Sarah Moore

You, Me, and We: An Artistic Inquiry Exploring Embodied Self-Awareness , Peter Navarro

The Intersection of Anger Management Counseling and Embodiment in Dance/Movement Therapy , Maria Parise

A Heuristic Inquiry: The Narrative of a Beginning Dance/Movement Therapist's Professional Identity Development , Danielle Parmacek

Moving Myths: A Heuristic Inquiry Into the Role of Jungian Concepts in the Theoretical Framework of a Dance/Movement Therapy Student , Maura Reagan

Stepping In: My Experience of Embodied Power Through the Relations-Cultural Framework , Sarah C. Rot

Embodied Nonverbal Microaggressions From the Perspective of Dance/Movement Therapists: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis , Rebecca A. Schultz

Paving the Road to Resilience: A Grounded Theory Pilot Study , Ruchi Shah

An Embodied Artistic Inquiry on Self-Compassion: Awakening the Warrior Goddess Within , Lindsey Rae Thompson

Move About It: Movement-Based Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop for High Schools , Katie Wild

A Heuristic Inquiry Into the Subjective Lived Experience and Expression of Authenticity as a Developing Dance/Movement Therapist , Elyssa M. Yeh

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Embodied Resilience in Unaccompanied Latin American Children in a United States Reception Center , Marcos Oro Caldero

Dance/Movement Therapy and Competitive Dance: An In Depth Self Evaluation , Veronica A. Chapp-Miller

Unraveling and Understanding the Therapeutic Self: A Heuristic Inquiry on Countertransference , Donna DeCotiis

Math Via Movement: Using Emotional Intelligence in the Math Classroom , Renee Gestalt

Learning to Relate: A Heuristic Inquiry Exploring the Development of Therapeutic Relationships , Megan King

Moving After Baby: Developing Informed Dance/Movement Therapy Interventions for Symptoms of Postpartum Depression , Tonia Levison

Mutuality in Movement: A Relational Approach to Dance/Movement Therapy With Domestic Violence Survivors , Heather L. MacLaren

An Excursion Into the Creative Process: An Artistic Inquiry Utlizing Ritualistic Self-Care In Movement , Bobbi Jean McKissick

Dance Movement Therapy and Holism: Moving Beyond Body/Mind/Spirit , Laura Miller

Body Beyond Boundaries: An Auto-Ethnography On My Embodied Culture In My Work as a Dance/Movement Therapy Intern Practicing In Another Culture , Akanksha Mishra

Embodied Narratives: The Influence of Dance/Movement Therapy on the Mood of Hospitalized Children , Ashlea Palafox

Self-Care for Dance/Movement Therapy Interns booklet , Stephanie N. Terrell

Self-Care Practices for Dance/Movement Therapy Student Interns: A Multifaceted Toolbox , Stephanie N. Terrell

Moving For Freedom: Development of a Dance/Movement Therapy Based Resilience Promotion Program for Children of Individuals With Substance Abuse Disorder , Maria Torres

Being In Relationship: The Experience of a Female Dance/Movement Therapy Intern on a Male Residential Unit for Sexually Problematic Behaviors , Krista Tyner

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A Body-Based Program Development Project to Prevent Burnout Among Mental Healthcare Professionals , Amanda J. Abeling

Aesthetically Significant: An Embodied Artistic Inquiry Exploring the Experience of Aesthetics as an Emerging Dance/Movement Therapist , Hannah Bailey

How Fear and Anxiety in Response to Countertransference and Somatic Countertransference Impacted the Clinical Decision-Making of a Dance/Movement Therapy Intern , Chelsie Batko

Examining the Connection Between Spirituality and Embodiment in Medical Education , Katie Bellamy

The Dance Impermanence: An Artistic Inquiry Through Improvisation , Julie Frances Brannen

Dance/Movement Therapy In-Service Model: A Collaborative Creation , Erin Arline Howe

Searching for Connection: A Heuristic Study of the Role of Consciousness in Identifying and Meeting Human Needs Through Expressive Movement , Amy Leow

The Creative Process of Choreography and Performance: The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Within Dance/Movement Therapy , Chih-Hsien Lin

The Evaluation of Creative Passages: A Dance/Movement Therapy and Rits of Passage Pilot Program for Adolescent Girls , Monimia Macbeth

Developing an Informed Clinical Practice Through the Embodied Discovery of Somatic Countertransference: An Artistic Inquiry , Nell McCarty

Listening with the Eyes and Body: An Artistic Inquiry to Explore the Needs of Deaf Adults with Chronic Mental Illness , Malorie McGee

My Embodied Multiracial Experience , Catherine C. Miller

Dance/Movement Therapy and the Journey of Infertility: A Phenomenological Study , Sara Ogawa

UBU-Unique But United: A Movement-Based Curriculum for an Inclusive Pre-School Classroom Focusing on Social-Emotional Learning , Julie Schadeck

The Dance of Here and Now: A Heuristic Journey Uncovering the Role of Presence While Practicing Dance/Movement Therapy With An Elderly Population Experiencing Dementia , Kaitlynn Sinki

Moving THRU: Dance/Movement Therapy Based Program for Direct Caregivers of Childhood Survivors of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Belize , Amy VanBecelaere

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Maintaining Stability in the Face of Adversity: Self-care Practices of Human Trafficking Survivor-Traniners in India , Ashley Fargnoli

Creating Family: A Phenomenological Needs-Assessment of Adoptive Parents for Implications in Dance/Movement Therapy , Eva C. Glaser

A Community That Dances Never Dies: An Ethnographic Study on People of the African Diaspora Within the African Dance and Drum Community in Chicago , Ifetayo Kitwana

Dance/Movement Therapy as a Therapeutic Approach for Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder: Movement Treating Movement , Karissa Martens

Friendship and Dance/Movement Therapy with Adults with Developmental Disabilities , Elise Moore

Dance, Movement, and Performance with Israeli and Palestinian Children Living in War Conflict , Maria Ninos

Exploring Empathy: A Dance/Movement Therapy Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities , Krista Samborsky

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Religious Multicultural Competence Amongst Dance/Movement Therapists , Jaclyn Abramson

Enhancing and Sustaining the Personal Wellness/Self-efficacy Cycle of a Dance/Movemet Therapy Intern , Lynn R. Chapman

Performance as Therapy: An Intervention for Adults with Developmental Disabilities , Emily A. D'Annunzio

An Annotated Bibliography of Dance/Movement Therapy Appraoches to Eating Disorders , Apryl Marie Grasty

Unfolding Self-Esteem Adolescent Girls' Self-Esteem and the Dance/Movement Therapy Intervention of Improvisation and Planned Movement Formation: A Pilot Study , Mallory Ingram

A Theoretical Comparison of Dance/Movement Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy , Heidi Landgraf

The Lived Experience of Vicarious Trauma for Providers: A Narrative Phenomenoleogical Study , Ambryn D. Melius

A Journey Through the Embodiment of Aggression , Anson Relick

Explorations Into Continuity: An Heuristic, Artistic Inquiry into the Interplay Between Work as a Dance/Movement Therapist and Service within the Bahá’í Community , Elena M. Rezai

A Moving Journey: Personal Reflections From Dance/Movement Therapists with Non-Traditional Backgrounds , Meghan Nicole Slade

Counselor Identity Development: A Heuristic Look into the Past, Present, and Future Role Identities , Jaquel Stokes

The Phenomenon of Play Within a Dance/Movement Therapy Setting with Adults , Alison Teichart

Breaking the Silence and Moving Voices: Dance/Movement Therapy in the Treatment of Male and Female Sexual Trauma Survivors , Sarah A. Winkler

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Moving Toward Leadership: A Case Study of Latina Adolescents and Effective Communication , Isela Estrada

Towards Integration: An Autoethnography on the Development of Identity , Kanchana Henrich

Choreography and Performance with Deaf Adults Who Have Mental Illness: Culturally Affirmative Participatory Research , Sondra H. Malling

Doing It Alone: Supporting a Single Mother Through Authentic Movement (An Artistic Inquiry) , Lucrecia Platt

Dance/Movement Therapy and Autism: A Case Study , Katherine Ann Porter

Mindful Bodies: The Use of Guided Meditation with Dance/Movement Therapy in Addiction Treatment , Melissa A. Sanchez

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Total Body Integration: A Phenomenological Heuristic Study , Deva M. Connett

Finding the Rhythm in Dance/Movement Therapy: The Use of Tap Dance in Residential Treatment , Alexandria D’Aurio

Dance/Movement Therapy in Inpatient Hematological Cancer Treatment , Megan Hall

Give Peace a Dance: An Ethnographic Research Project About a Dancing Community in Chicago and the Implications for Dance/Movement Therapy , Isabel Martinez Mulcahy

Dance/Movement Therapy in India , Rakhi Rangparia

Voice From the Deep: A Black Student's Journey in a Dance/Movement Therapy Graduate Program , Aqueena H. Smith

Effort and Personality According to Rudolf Laban: An Artistic Inquiry of Mobile State , Sara R. Van Koningsveld

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Finding My Feet: A Dance/Movement Therapy Intern's Heuristic Inquiry of Clinician Self-Care , Megan J. Blazek

The Emotional Road to Recovery: Tracking the Mind and Body Experience of Shame in Women Recovering From Drugs and Alcohol , Nicole DiBacco

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Dance Theses Samples For Students

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While studying in college, you will inevitably need to compose a bunch of Theses on Dance. Lucky you if putting words together and organizing them into relevant content comes easy to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding a previously written Dance Thesis example and using it as a template to follow.

This is when you will definitely find WowEssays' free samples directory extremely useful as it embodies numerous professionally written works on most various Dance Theses topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your criteria and use it as a template to build your own Thesis. Alternatively, our competent essay writers can deliver you an original Dance Thesis model written from scratch according to your custom instructions.

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Home > THESES > MASTERSTHESES > Dance (MFA) Theses

Dance (MFA) Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Rising Moons , Michael Bearden

Hame , Russell Clarke

They Smell of Earth After Rain Exploring the Sacred Space Within Performance: An Examination of Transcendence, Ritual, and Artistic Expression , Candy Jimenez

Voices of the Highlands: Untold Stories of Memory, Heritage, and Blood , Eiby Lobos

Dancing Between Worlds: Afrofuturism, Hybridity, Transculturalism, and the Orixás , Alicia Nascimento Castro

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Creating Space , Jacqueline Bennett

#IYKYK: TikTok as a Subversive Space: Democratizing Dance and Shifting Artistic Paradigms , Meagan Dodini

Fracturing Trauma , Antonio Doutiht

Needs Salt , Joshua Lang

No Offense!: A Critical and Creative Inquiry , Mo Liu

EROSION: landscape reveals us , John Alexander McBride

Dancing Through Loss , Tracy Vogt

Queering Empathy , Robert Wesner

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Breaking Barriers: Creating Inclusive Dance Spaces for High School Students With Cerebral Palsy , Samantha Michelle Barnewolt

BeginnINgs , Elizabeth Becker

A Mexican American’s Introspective on Identity and Embodiment of the Lester Horton Technique , Fernando Carrillo

Our Sheep To Slaughter , Courtney Collado

Whispers on the Waves of the Weaponized , Shawn Evangelista

Disembodying Toxicity: The Use and Abuse of Young Bodies in Competition Dance , Kelley Holt

speak easy: a virtual mixtape of black cool , Demetia Hopkins

The Means to Escape , Devonn McKenna

Intra Sections: Social Media and the Multiplicity of Identity , Jared Redick

Black is Gold: Cultivating an Antiracist Dance Pedagogy in Higher Education , Jamorris Rivers

Tapping In: A Movement Meditation for Wellness , Victoria Rodriguez

Healing Through Mother Earth , Taylor A. Russell

Traces: Embodied Ephemera From Here To There , Alice Svetic

Honor Thyself , Alonzo O. Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Dancing with Digital Technology: Shifting Place in Space , Thang Dao

Steps Last: A Pedagogy for Existing in the Vanishing Point , Cihtli Ocampo

Mezcla , Liz Quinones

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Celebrating Academic Excellence: Recognizing Our Honors Thesis Graduates

• Nina Marijanovic
• Thursday, May 16th, 2024

As the 2023-2024 academic year has come to a close, we proudly recognize the outstanding achievements of our 2024 Mahurin Honors College capstone experience/ thesis graduates. These exceptional students have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, intellectual rigor, and innovative thinking through their thesis projects. Each thesis represents not only a significant academic milestone but also a valuable contribution to their respective fields of study. Join us in celebrating these scholars who have exemplified the highest standards of academic excellence and are poised to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. To explore these theses, please visit  TopSCHOLAR (wku.edu) .

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May 17th, 2024

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Western Kentucky University's College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) proudly announces the recipients of this year's WKU Distinguished Educator Awards (DEA).

May 9th, 2024

18 WKU students earned the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in the March 2024 application cycle, more than any other college or university in Kentucky.

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WKU’s five academic colleges recognized their spring and summer 2024 graduating classes during ceremonies on Friday at Diddle Arena.

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An absolutely fabulous celebration of history’s greatest divas.

This heady, exquisitely delightful new book reveals the power behind the sequins

Brandon Tensley

Bottled rage, sublime violence, threats and tears, love and anger. Never has a woman bared so much of her soul,” the French dramatist and poet Théophile Gautier wrote of Italian opera singer Giulia Grisi in the 1830s. Gautier was the first to use “diva”—Latin for “goddess”—to describe an opera soloist of epic talent. In the next two centuries, the term moved from describing performers—Bette Davis, Eartha Kitt, Diana Ross, Beyoncé—to describing almost anyone who’s fierce, provocative and generally beaucoup.

In her latest book, American Diva: Extraordinary, Unruly, Fabulous , Deborah Paredez, who teaches creative writing at Columbia University, celebrates divas of all sorts, arguing that their successes are particularly inspiring for people in marginalized communities, especially racial minorities. Paredez weaves historical accounts of these bold women into a thrilling cultural memoir: Over 250-odd pages, she illustrates how divas have historically used their authoritative talents to embolden the lives of those on society’s fringes.

Take Rita Moreno, the Puerto Rican actress who stunned viewers with her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story . Paredez describes how, for many Latinos, Moreno’s turn as the heroine Anita, with her high kicks and twirls, challenged inherited notions of who could make claims to own a spot in America—at a time when film and theater were both still lily-white. “She moves across dance styles and harmonies and perspectives and the borderlines of turf and tribe,” Paredez writes of Moreno’s rebellious spirit. In similar ways, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin assumed a diva persona that electrified their Black fans while creating opportunities for later Black artists who also wanted to make a living in the white worlds of rock and pop.

Most people associate the “diva” title with singers, such as Judy Garland and Whitney Houston, who are tagged as being high maintenance, or merely too much . Paredez reclaims the “diva” label as a celebration—and makes an intriguing case for widening the canon to include Venus and Serena Williams, “shimmering divas” who “were neither queens nor princesses, though they held countless titles” and became something like tennis royalty.

By the book’s end, Paredez’s thesis becomes entirely persuasive: The word “diva” is best used not for an opera virtuoso, but for any bold person whose work nourishes people too often starved of power.

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This article is a selection from the June 2024 issue of Smithsonian magazine

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Brandon Tensley is a national political writer at CNN, where he covers culture and politics. His work has appeared in The Atlantic , Time and the Washington Post .