Nothing left to do but dance

I’m a child of the 80s, so give me a 90s playlist, and I am immediately transported back to the ‘old school’—those days when I owned the dance floor- at least that’s how I remember it. But as life moved forward and club nights were replaced with babies and buckets of life admin, I gradually stopped dancing. It wasn’t until a recent retreat that I learned about the benefits of pure, unfiltered, uncensored dance.

As kids and young adults, we dance all the time, but as we get older it seems to stop. I was on a retreat where we were encouraged to close our eyes and dance. This wasn’t about a move or a sequence, but pure unfiltered movement.

It was about taking up space. Feeling into our bodies. Doing what felt good in the moment, without a care about what we looked like. I confess it took me a little while to get into it, but soon I was leaping across the room, swaying, moving my body in ways that felt good, really good.

Dance is not just about the physical act of moving to music; it's a powerful way to process emotions and release stagnant energy that accumulates in the body. 

Scientifically, this makes sense. When we dance, we engage in a full-body workout that stimulates the release of endorphins—our body’s natural mood lifters. These endorphins help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and combat depression. But beyond the obvious physical benefits like improved cardiovascular health, increased flexibility, and muscle strengthening, dance has a unique impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

Neurologically, dance activates several areas of the brain, including those responsible for memory, coordination, and spatial awareness. Studies have shown that regular dancing can even improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia as we age. It engages the brain's reward centres, leading to a sense of accomplishment and joy, which is why many people feel a natural high after dancing.

Research supports the idea that regular physical activity, including dance, can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause. A study published in the journal Menopause found that women who engaged in dance therapy experienced significant improvements in mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. The study emphasised that dance, unlike other forms of exercise, offers a unique combination of physical, emotional, and social benefits, making it an ideal activity during this transitional phase.

Incorporating dance into your routine during perimenopause is not just about exercise; it’s about embracing a practice that supports your body’s natural rhythms and helps you navigate this new chapter with grace, joy, and a sense of empowerment. So, turn up that 90s playlist and dance like nobody’s watching—you’re not just moving; you’re healing.

It also allows for emotional expression in a way that few other activities can. It taps into the non-verbal parts of our brain, enabling us to express and process emotions that might be difficult to articulate. Whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or love, dance provides an outlet for these feelings, helping to clear emotional blockages and create a sense of emotional balance.

At that retreat, I realised that dancing is not just something I did back in the day—it’s a vital, holistic practice that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. It’s a reminder that no matter our age or stage in life, the rhythm of life continues, and sometimes, all we need to do is tune in and let our bodies move to the beat.

So my gift to you, my dear fellow Wild Woman is a particularly excellent 90s Spotify playlist. Put it on, turn up the volume and you can thank me later.

A special thanks to Carly Osman-Holmes for sharing her experience

What’s stopping you from putting on the playlist and dancing around the room, go on I dare you - just one song! Then text a mate and plan a dance, whether it’s a night out, a morning rave or look up ecstatic dance and see what you find!

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