The Psychology of Dance
Joanna is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working in the NHS and privately, and now runs a thriving private practice, Key Psychology Services, online and in-person. She is passionate about helping people make changes to both their physical and mental well-being using evidence-based approaches.
Dance like no one is watching or dance like everyone’s watching. This is my mantra when I’m teaching dance. Inspired by the Nia Technique, my dance classes combine moves from the martial arts, healing arts, and dance arts, with a focus on mindful movement and breathing.
Dancing since age three, is one of my strongest childhood memories. Ballet three times a week, up to teacher’s level shaped my teenage years. Following this, I always attended a dance class until I began choreographing children’s routines at a local youth theatre, whilst also working as a Clinical Psychologist in London.
The only time I haven’t danced since the age of three was when I was recovering from a back injury. I was experiencing a lot of pain, and my mood was affected. Low mood and back pain were linked to the injury. The excitement of shows and classes, and learning the choreography, had always helped me maintain a good mood. Being unable to dance led to low mood and, at times, brain fog and inattention.
Following the back injury and a long rehabilitation journey, I discovered the Nia Technique, which is non-impact and combines martial arts, healing arts, and dance arts. I later trained in the white and blue belts as part of the belt system, similar to martial arts. Being able to teach, I have seen the benefits that I experienced from dancing passed on to my students.
Let’s Dance was a national initiative run in the UK in March 2025 to spread the joy of dancing and to highlight its many benefits. Dance is not just about moving your body to music, dancing in a club, or at a wedding. It does include those things, but there are also many benefits for the body, mind, and soul.
1. Benefits for the brain
Dancing improves the neuroplasticity of the brain with left- and right-sided movements, as well as bilateral movements. This helps with attention and concentration and can also support ADHD symptoms. Dancing for dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and MS is common, as it can help with involuntary movements and memory.
2. Dance as a mood lifter
Dancing lifts the mood, and feel-good hormones known as endorphins are released when dancing. Much research has shown these benefits, along with many anecdotal reports of dancing helping to lift mood. The music and movement involved can improve symptoms of depression and low mood by also boosting serotonin levels.
3. Connection
Dance is a non-verbal language that provides a medium to connect to oneself and to others. Countries and nationalities share a common language of dance, which connects cultures and people despite language barriers. Tribes have been dancing for centuries, connecting through ritual and rhythm. National dances include the Haka in New Zealand, ceilidh dancing in Ireland and Scotland, and salsa in Latin American and Spanish countries. Communities and connections are fuelled through dance around the globe.
4. Confidence: Body confidence and self-esteem
Dance can also improve body confidence and self-esteem by helping with weight loss, encouraging positive movements, and creating a sense of freedom through movement. Letting go to the music and knowing there is no ‘wrong’ way to dance all contribute to increasing confidence.
5. Rhythm
Young babies are often rocked to sleep and find rhythmic movements calming and soothing. This is also true with music and dancing, which can have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. The use of breath, grounding movements, drum beats, and mindful movement can all help engage the parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve.
Combining high-energy and mindful moves with breathing techniques, my Nia-inspired workshops provide the perfect recipe for a beneficial workout for both mind and body. The uplifting and inspiring music is also good for the soul. Connecting with oneself and others through dance is something to be embraced. This is certainly Wellbeing in Motion. I run workshops and retreats in the UK and internationally, designed to promote positive mental and physical wellbeing.
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Read more from Dr. Joanna Livingstone
Dr. Joanna Livingstone, Clinical Psychologist
Joanna is a Clinical Psychologist, Coach and NIA Wellbeing Movement Practitioner. Her interest and passion for helping people make lasting changes both to their physical and mental well-being is at the heart of her work. With her 25 years of experience working in the field, she has assessed and treated individuals with a range of conditions. Her particular interests are in workplace wellbeing, ADHD coaching, maternal wellbeing, boosting brain chemistry through psychological techniques, and trauma-based medico-legal work. She has also combined her passions for psychology and wellbeing dance to provide Wellbeing in Motion workshops and retreats, which she offers locally and internationally.
