Wellness Article: Evoking Self-Confidence through Dance.

It's no secret --- dance has been keeping us happy for years. There have been countless studies on the positive impact of dance and our wellbeing. From the psychological benefits to the social aspects ; dancing is curing the world one step at a time.

But why?

Why is dance so influential? Why is movement drastically changing our mental state? … Or mood? Boosting our self-esteem? Empowering confidence?

According to a recent ASICS Move Her Mind study over 43% of women who consistently participate in physical activities, like dance, are significantly more confident than those who are inactive.

But, again, the question.. WHY?

There may be an answer! Have you heard of D.O.S.E ? No, not the hot billboard track by global superstar, CIARA , but the four vital hormones your body produces when you are in motion!

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Dopamine

Dopamine plays a viral role in how we feel pleasure. It’s equivalent to that rush you

get from a text from your favorite person or a new like from your Instagram crush! #MCW🤤 These feelings are known as dopamine shots. Whether it’s filming your favorite TiKTok dance or crushing the choreography in class --- dancing releases dopamine that give you feelings of joy and happiness! Being in a positive state like this is one of the keys for higher levels of self-confidence.

Oxytocin

Have you ever seen someone killin' their dance routine and suddenly you felt the urge to get

moving as well? This is what the oxytocin hormone does. It induces the feels and moods

from others! Yes, #Vibes! Oxytocin is also known as the ‘love hormone” or “connection

hormone". Oxytocin brings people together through vibrational connection and emotional chemistry. Its pretty cool to think about really. The notion -- your vibe attracts your tribe -- couldn't be more relevant! The next time you're headed to a dance class -- bring that high energy! You never know who you might inspire.

Serotonin

Serotonin, also known as the “feel good hormone”, regulates your mood and reduces

anxiety. This hormone has been proven to increase resilience, making stressful or

unexpected situations in life more tolerable. We become more confident in our ability

to make sound decisions and less likely to become overcritical of ourselves. This is a hidden gem. Overcoming defeat not only makes you a better dancer but a stronger more competent human. No wonder dancers are considered Olympic Gold athletes.

Endorphins

Endorphins are specific hormones that act as natural pain killers and antidepressants.

They boost pleasure levels in the body and can evoke feelings of optimism. Have you ever been dancing so hard that you totally forgot you just wacked yourself in face or got elbowed by a classmate? Yep.. I've been there. We get caught up in the movement and the joy of the moment that we are no longer affected by our mistakes. This is important as you navigate the ups and downs of life. Laugh at yourself more! And never stop moving!

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Consistently staying in motion is the ultimate key to unwavering self-confidence. Your body is thanking you each and every time you hit your shower dance or take that gracious leap across the dance floor. The next time you’re in a bit of a funk; you can think CIARA or as we say : think D.O.S.E!