A Service User-Led Study Promoting Mental Well-Being for the General Public, Using 5 Rhythms Dance

Abstract

There is increasing interest in leisure pursuits that promote health, including dance classes for the public. A few studies suggest that dance movement therapy can have a positive effect on the mental health of people in psychiatric settings, but there is little in the literature about the effects of dance in public settings. This article reports a study of women's experience of a form of expressive dance called 5 Rhythms, which is popular throughout the world. This participatory research project was led by current and former mental health service users, and supported by the Mental Health Foundation. The benefits of this initiative are reported. Dancers were recruited from the general public. Interviews, diaries and a survey were used to investigate women's experience of dancing. Qualitative analysis showed that the participants appreciated dance workshops that provided a safe space, freedom of expression, structure, powerful music and group connections. The dance was transformative, helping people move from being ‘stuck’, release powerful feelings and integrate parts of themselves. The dancers reported using regular dancing as a strategy for emotional wellbeing and dealing with emotional crises. The discussion emphasises that 5 Rhythms is not a therapy, but an emotional and therapeutic experience in which dancers need to take responsibility for themselves. 5 Rhythms comes from the tradition of shamanic dance in the way that it acts to maintain the psychic well-being of a community. It is suggested that pleasurable activities such as dance should be accessible to everyone, and recommendations are made to promote this.