Have we lost all whimsy? Walking across campus, I see stiff postures, sunken faces, and robotic movements. I see it in myself as well. In college, we become accustomed to routine, to going through the motions, because we think it will guarantee a future for ourselves. We wake up tired, walk mindlessly to our classes, and sit for hours staring at a screen, with no movement other than our heads nodding off and fingers aimlessly searching for the right answer to type out. At the end of the day, we are exhausted, and the cycle repeats itself.
Even on nights out when I should be dancing and carefree, I often find myself thinking about the next task I have to complete, and my mind is everywhere but in the present. I constantly flood my head with stress and burnout, and the mental symptoms often manifest physically with headaches, fatigue, and general weakness.
Whenever I dance, these symptoms seem to ease. Moving to the music acts as medicine that can improve our health, from cognitive capabilities to physical strength and endurance. Everyone deserves to take care of their health, and dancing is the key.
I began dancing in my sophomore year of high school, and it changed my life for the better. Before then, I lived through each day second-guessing my every movement and decision. I rehearsed each conversation, envisioned each pathway I would walk, and clung to predictability and caution like my life depended on it.
From the start, dance was approachable. The choreographer would teach us the exact timing, angles, and details of each movement. I appreciated solid instructions, and I resented ambiguity. Sure, I was a terrible dancer for the first couple of years or so, but I was determined to continue.
I soon realized that dance was more than just a hobby. As a form of cardio, dance improves cardiovascular health, balance and strength, agility and flexibility, and endurance. Dancing also boosts cognitive performance and improves mood by releasing dopamine and endorphins. In fact, the benefits of dance go beyond those of other physical activities. A 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine examined how participating in leisure activities could impact the risk of dementia in the elderly. They looked at 11 different types of physical activity, and among those that lowered participants’ risk of dementia — dance.
In addition to physical health benefits, dance spaces foster social connection — a protective factor for mental health. Extensive literature suggests that greater social support results in more positive mental health outcomes. The feeling of togetherness also reduces the risk for chronic illness and disease, and dance is an incredibly accessible way to create community.
With my new journey into the world of dance, I had one obstacle that I was reluctant to face: freestyling. Each week, we concluded dance class with a cypher, an informal dance circle where one person freestyles at a time in the middle of the circle. These spaces are meant to be an enjoyable form of self-expression, and realizing this was a huge learning experience.
As the weeks progressed, I gradually learned to embrace whatever moves the music brought to my body. For those that are nauseated by the prospect of having to freestyle, I recommend facing it head-on. Each time you make the choice to stop calculating your movements, the process of improvisation becomes increasingly easy. The concept of freestyling in dance can also translate to other aspects of your life. With each dance move you improvise, you are engaging in creativity and improving your confidence. Getting out of your comfort zone in the world of dance can make goals in other areas of your life more approachable.
Even if you are not a trained ballerina, there are countless opportunities to dance at Oberlin. Last Thursday, I went to a line dancing night at The ’Sco with friends and a pair of good boots. Student instructors guided the audience through each step of the dance, and once we learned it, we ran through the dance in perfect sync with each other. As we danced the same shuffles, hops, and pivots, I was moved by the sense of cohesiveness and connection that filled the room.
Fostering creativity, forming community, and reframing comfort zones, dance is a tool that everyone should take full advantage of. Next time you’re getting ready in front of the mirror, turn up the bass and try freestyling. This weekend, reach your hand out to a friend or a stranger and take them to the dance floor. Dancing is the medicine that can help you overcome the college burnout epidemic, and everyone should participate.