adults

Dance Classes for Adults: Boosting Mental Health and Well-being through Movement in 2024

24 March 2024 · 6 min read · Updated 2 March 2026

Why Should Adults Try Dance Classes?

Dance has been a cherished art form throughout history, captivating people of all ages with its rhythm and expression. For adults, engaging in dance isn't just about moving to music; it's a journey towards enhanced mental and physical well-being.

Do you sometimes go through your day and wonder, "Where is the pause button?" So many demands from work, home and family make us feel there is not enough time for ourselves. The experience of a global pandemic only increased the pressure. There was little time to take care of our body and soul.

Yes, we want to feel fit, but more than that — we want to boost our mental health and enjoy life more than ever.

We have good news for you: there is a way to improve your physical fitness and mind. Dancing is a practice known to every culture and every age, and you can do it alone or with others. It will help you to gain strength, connect you with others and improve your mental health. Read until the end of the article for a surprise!

How Can Dance Classes for Adults Improve Your Well-being?

When dancing, your body releases feel-good hormones — more than with any other exercise. Scientists have long speculated that endorphins are behind the high. Not true: it is linked to another class of brain chemicals — endocannabinoids (yes, you guessed right, the same chemicals mimicked by cannabis). They are called "don't worry, be happy" chemicals for a reason. A legal high, if you will.

Dancing also connects with the emotional centre in the brain and gives you an emotional release. Whatever you have bottled up inside you when dancing, you can let it all out. That can ease depression and anxiety.

Did you know that dancers and rowers who move in sync can tolerate pain better? That's because our bodies release endorphins when we have a joyful group experience. Dancing together is one of the most powerful ways to feel happy.

Have you ever experienced panic attacks? Dancing might help to keep them in check. Your new movements increase neural connections among areas of the brain that calm anxiety. If you dance regularly, your nervous system becomes more balanced and less prone to fight, flight, or fright.

What if you feel stressed? Maybe your work has become very demanding, or you struggle to keep up with all life throws at you — we know the feeling! According to a study, eight out of ten Britons say dancing makes them feel less stressed — another reason to take out those dancing shoes!

Which Age Groups Benefit Most from Dancing?

In Sweden, researchers studied more than 100 teenage girls who were struggling with issues like depression and anxiety. Half of those girls attended weekly dance classes. They improved their mental health and reported a boost in their mood. These positive effects lasted up to eight months after the dance classes ended.

But teens aren't the only ones who improve their mental health with dance: A group of senior adults, ages 65-91, was recently studied in North Dakota. After taking 12 weeks of Zumba, the participants reported improved mood, better cognitive skills and increased strength.

It even seems that lactate — that stuff in your muscles that we used to blame for muscle soreness — has positive effects on mental health.

Dancing can also improve self-esteem. Feeling connected with your body and seeing small but steady improvements week by week is a great feeling. As you learn new dance routines and improve your skills, your body gets fitter. That makes you more confident. At MOUVE, we see this transformation in our adult dancers every term.

Those twirls and jumps have the potential to protect your memory — remembering all the dance steps keeps your brain fit. And Dr Michael Mosely found that one hour of Salsa can increase your brain power by 18%. If you don't like puzzles or Sudoku, you might have just found the perfect way to train your mental muscles.

So, where do you begin if you want to reap the benefits of dancing?

What Age Is Too Late to Start Dancing? (Spoiler: There Isn't One)

You can start at any age. Just start small. Start dancing by yourself in the kitchen or when your favourite song is on. Just enjoy the movements and don't be critical of yourself. When your inner critic pops up, tell yourself you're on your journey to get fitter and happier, not to be perfect!

Learn a routine

Have you also watched too many dance videos during lockdown? It seemed that half the world participated in dance challenges on TikTok — you can do that too! Have a look at the videos or see if you can find a simple dance routine video on YouTube that you enjoy. Then, aim to practise it for just five minutes a day — maybe while you're waiting for the kettle to boil or your laptop to start. If you're up for it, you might even ask friends or family members to make your own video.

Why Try Adult Dance Classes at MOUVE in Hendon?

There is nothing like a Zumba class together with a bunch of other friendly women! Many of our clients are looking forward to their weekly class all week. If you're a parent bringing your child to one of our kids' dance classes, why not stay and try a session yourself?

MOUVE Ladies Fitness Zumba Class

Whether you go online or in-person at our Ladies Fitness classes depends on you: if you have a long commute or feel more confident joining from home, take an online class. If you prefer to meet new people and feel a sense of community, join us live. We would love to have you in one of our groups!

What Is the Best Type of Dance to Start With?

Curious how you can improve your own mental health through dancing? Why not get in touch and find out about any of our dance classes for adults. We have a range of styles to suit all tastes and all levels — you could try out our beginners Lyrical Jazz or our Ballet class which is a gentle introduction to the fundamentals of dance. If you're looking for a more energetic class, try out one of our Zumba and Dance classes. You can also browse our full class timetable to find the perfect fit.

Explore more tips and stories on the MOUVE blog.

Frequently Asked Questions