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Executive Director’s Desk
Healing Powers of Music & Dance
Debbie Zorian DZorian@hcma.net
sures of daily life.
A variety of therapies exist to help those who are suffering from depres- sion, experiencing anxiety and stress, or simply need an outlet to cope with work/family/life balances. As a mu- sic and dance enthusiast, I can attest to how the soothing effects of music can bring peace and relaxation, and how the invigorating effects of dance can provide a respite from the pres-
shrines housed hymn specialists alongside physicians.
As a child with a musical background, my passion for mu- sic was second nature. And with music comes dancing...
Dance therapy, also known as dance/movement therapy (DMT), is a treatment that uses dance to improve a person’s emotional and psychological functioning. As an almost au- tomatic response to music, dance has been used throughout history as a form of celebration and rituals, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among people. Dancing in any form can bring about closeness, joy, and laughter.
For lovers of dance, the allure of movement is irresist- ible. Dancers find an outlet for their emotions, channeling their feelings into movement and finding release in the act of expression. While dopamine, serotonin, and other feel- good chemicals soar through our bodies as we dance, the healing benefits can have a tremendous impact on our well- being. And as a form of exercise, it can also result in physi- cal benefits such as improved muscle tone, better sleep, and increased energy.
Legend has it that Socrates learned to dance when he was seventy because he felt that an essential part of him had been neglected and dancing benefited him mentally, emotionally, and physically. I was in my fifties when I decided to take ball- room dance lessons at LaVelle Hall Studio. It was one of the most enjoyable diversions I have ever embarked on. That is where I met a ninety-eight-year-old spirited woman named Tilly. Tilly danced her entire lifetime and had no immediate plans of stopping. I was in awe of her abilities and will never forget her. She boasted to us “youngsters” that dancing all her life is what kept her young in mind and body.
To my knowledge, an Australian dancer named Eileen Kramer, who was born in 1914, is the oldest dancer in the world. She began studying music and dance in the 1930s. In 1940, Eileen toured Australia with the Bodenwieser Ballet for over ten years and went on to showcase her many talents while spanning four continents. In 2014, she choreographed and performed a dance piece called “The Early Ones” to cel- ebrate turning 100 years old. At 104, she was cast in a new TV drama series and was co-writing a book. Her latest book, Life Keeps Me Dancing, was published last summer.
In conclusion, music and dance are capable of transcend-
(continued)
Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses the naturally mood-lifting properties of music to help people improve their mental health and overall well-being. It has the magical power to transport us to different emotional states and produce intense feelings within us. Inside the fascinating world of music, research explains how different genres can impact our moods.
The timeless elegance of classical music has the power to evoke feelings of tranquility and reflection. The gentle tem- po of a Mozart masterpiece or the crescendo of a Beethoven symphony can transport us to a state of profound serenity, offering solace in moments of stress or turmoil. Studies have shown that classical music can reduce anxiety levels and pro- mote relaxation, making it a popular choice for meditation.
Jazz is a vibrant genre that celebrates spontaneity and cre- ativity. With its soulful rhythms, it can easily uplift our spirit and stir a sense of happiness by increasing dopamine levels. Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, two well-known jazz performers, offer the kind of music that can lead to these feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
Characterized by its electrifying energy, rock and roll music has the power to awaken our senses and fuel our pas- sions. Psychologists have found that listening to rock music can increase heart rate and adrenaline levels, triggering a sense of excitement and invigoration. Although rock music is not known to provide the tranquility needed to meditate, it can help impact our mood in a positive way.
While music has emerged as a recognized form of treat- ment for various disorders, it is far from being a new re- source. In fact, the Ancient Greek Philosophers believed in the healing powers of music to such an extent that healing
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HCMA BULLETIN, Vol 70, No. 1 – Summer 2024