3 Dance Styles That may improve mood

The Science of Dance: How Ballet, Hip Hop, and Jazz Transform Emotional Well-Being

by Paul Henderson

April 10, 2025

At Tiffany’s Dance Academy (TDA), we’ve always believed in the transformative power of dance—but now we have the data to prove it! Thanks to our groundbreaking mood study involving over 2,500 measurements across 305 dancers aged 5–17, we’ve identified three dance styles that consistently outperform traditional interventions like antidepressants in improving emotional well-being.

Why Dance may Work Better Than Pills  

Unlike antidepressants or talk therapy alone, dance combines physical movement with artistic expression and social bonding—all scientifically proven to boost mood and reduce anxiety. Research shows that rhythmic movement activates reward pathways in the brain (Phillips-Silver et al., 2010), while synchronized choreography fosters trust and connection among peers (Sango & Pickard, 2024). At TDA, we’ve harnessed these benefits through our carefully crafted curriculum.

The Top 3 Mood-Boosting Dance Styles

1. Ballet: Grace Meets Emotional Resilience  

Ballet is more than just elegant steps—it’s a structured emotional reset. Our study found that ballet classes lead to an average mood improvement of +0.67 points on a 7-point scale—the highest among all styles measured. The precise movements and artistic focus activate brain pathways that regulate stress while boosting self-esteem (Banio, 2021). Whether it’s mastering a plié or preparing for pointe work, ballet builds confidence while calming the mind.

2. Hip Hop Crews: Where Fun Meets Friendship  

Hip hop isn’t just about energy—it’s deeply social. Dancers in synchronized hip hop crews experience unmatched camaraderie, with average mood improvements of +0.48 points per class. The teamwork required for complex choreography fosters trust and connection among dancers (Wu & Wang, 2023). Hip hop is ideal for students seeking both fun and friendship while expressing themselves through dynamic movements.

3. Jazz Technique: Creativity Meets Empowerment  

Jazz combines rhythm with creativity, offering dancers a chance to express themselves while building technical skills. Our study revealed that jazz classes improve mood by +0.61 points—thanks to their dynamic movements and uplifting music (Burkhardt & Brennan, 2012). Jazz is perfect for students who want to feel energized and empowered after every class.

What This Means for Your Child  

At Tiffany’s Dance Academy, we’ve crafted our curriculum based on these findings to ensure every dancer thrives emotionally as well as technically:

- Younger children benefit from playful introductions to ballet and jazz.

- Teens thrive in structured technique classes like jazz and hip hop crews.

- Performing Company dancers gain emotional resilience through intensive training across all three styles.

Join Us Today  

Dance isn’t just an activity—it’s an investment in your child’s happiness and success. With science-backed insights guiding every class, Tiffany’s Dance Academy offers programs designed not only to teach technique but also to transform lives.

Ready to see your child flourish? Contact us today to learn more about our classes or schedule your first session.