Reconnecting with Dance: My Healing Journey through Movement

From the moment I took my first tentative steps as a toddler, dance has been a constant companion. At age three, I found joy in moving to music, expressing feelings I couldn’t yet name. This early passion shaped much of my life, offering a way to connect with myself and the world. Yet, like many, my journey has not been without hardship. During college, I faced profound loss and trauma that shook my mental health to its core. It was through returning to dance and movement that I found a path to healing, regulation, and renewed well-being.

This post explores how dance and movement therapy can support mental health, drawing from personal experience and examples from therapeutic work. If you or someone you know struggles with emotional challenges, this story may offer insight and hope.

The Early Connection to Dance

Dance was more than a hobby for me; it was a language. From the age of three, I used movement to explore emotions and tell stories. Whether it was twirling in the living room or joining a local dance class, these moments grounded me. Movement gave me a sense of freedom and control, especially during times when words felt inadequate.

This early bond with dance planted a seed that would later become a vital tool for healing. It taught me to listen to my body and honor its signals, a practice that proved essential during difficult times.

Embracing the joy of movement once again, returning to dance in college amid nature's embrace.

Facing Loss and Trauma in College

During my college years, I faced unforeseen challenges. The unexpected passing of both my grandparents within a few months, along with other traumatic events, left me overwhelmed. I was gripped by anxiety, depression, and a feeling of disconnection. Finding balance became a struggle, and traditional talk therapy did not seem enough.

During this time, my mental health deteriorated. Sleep was hard to come by, my focus weakened, and I began to feel emotionally numb. I felt imprisoned within my own body, unable to express or understand the pain fully. My academic performance dropped, my social relationships were affected, and I was struggling.

Returning to Dance as a Healing Practice

In the midst of this struggle, I returned to dance. At first, it was simply moving to music in my room, but gradually it became a deliberate practice. Dance helped regulate my nervous system by activating the body’s natural rhythms and releasing tension.

Dance offered a way to reconnect mind and body. It helped me:

• Recognize and express emotions without words

• Reduce stress and anxiety through physical release

• Build resilience by fostering a sense of safety in my body

• Improve mood and energy by engaging in joyful movement

  
  

This reconnection with movement did not happen overnight; rather, it gradually strengthened over time, with dance evolving into a form of self-care and a pathway to restoring emotional balance. This journey helped me realize the profound link between mental health, wellbeing, and movement, eventually leading me to become a dance/movement therapist. In this role, I now assist others in uncovering their own profound body wisdom.

A Teen’s Story: Finding Safety through Movement

A dancer expressing emotion through movement

In my work as a movement therapist, I have witnessed similar transformations. One example is a teenage client who struggled with trauma and emotional shutdown. Traditional therapy felt intimidating, and the teen found it difficult to talk about feelings.

Through guided movement sessions, the teen discovered a safe space to explore emotions physically. Simple exercises like grounding steps, gentle stretches, and expressive dance allowed the teen to:

• Feel safe and supported in the body

• Access emotions that were hard to name

• Develop trust in their own ability to regulate feelings

• Connect with others in group movement activities

  
  

Over time, this teen reported feeling more present and hopeful. Movement became a tool for emotional expression and healing that complemented other therapeutic approaches.

The Importance of Body-Centered Work in Mental Health

Dance and movement therapy highlight the critical role the body plays in mental health. Trauma and stress often manifest physically, and addressing these sensations can unlock healing that talk therapy alone may not reach.

Body-centered work helps by:

• Regulating the nervous system through rhythm and breath

• Releasing stored tension and trauma held in muscles

• Enhancing self-awareness and emotional literacy

• Building community through shared movement experiences

  
  

This approach fosters a holistic sense of well-being, integrating mind, body, and spirit.

Encouraging Others to Explore Movement

If you are facing emotional challenges, consider how movement might support your healing. You don’t need to be a trained dancer to benefit. Simple practices like walking mindfully, stretching, or dancing to your favorite music can help regulate your nervous system and lift your mood.

For those interested in deeper work, movement therapy with a trained professional offers a safe and guided way to explore emotions and build resilience.

Reconnecting with dance transformed my life during a time of hardship. It provided a path to healing that honored my whole self. Movement therapy offers a powerful way to support mental health and foster connection. Whether through personal practice or guided sessions, dance can be a source of strength and renewal.

If you feel drawn to movement, take a small step today. Your body holds wisdom and healing waiting to be discovered.