Cultural Dance: An Opportunity to Encourage Physical Activity and Health in Communities

Abstract

Scientific evidence supporting the numerous physical, psychological, andsocial benefits ofdance, specifically European/Western dance (ballet, jazz, modern), aerobic dance, anddance/movement therapy, indicate thatdance isan effective activity for promoting the health andwell-being of individuals. This article evaluates research related to dance forms having sociocultural or traditionallceremonial influences, which wehave labeled cultural dance. An extensive literature review located 14 studies pertaining to cultural dance, of which only 4 were experimental or quasi-experimental, 2 were physiological, and 8 were descriptive. The experimental and physiological literature documented the benefits of dance-related cultural activity interventions among various subgroups of thepopulation; the descriptive literature illustrated therole andimportance ofcultural dance forms within diverse communities. The research has established that cultural dance serves multiple functions (e.g., traditionallceremonial practices, celebrations, healing, spirituality, cultural transmission, andsocial connectedness); however, there is limited scientific evidence that such dance forms are linked to improved health andfitness status. We recommend that cultural dance receive greater promotion and study as a public health intervention to increase physical activity, especially among groups at risk for inactivity, including females, older adults, andsome racial!ethnic groups. Physical activity