The Science Behind Our Dance Classes: How Tiffany's Dance Academy Creates Happy, Successful Dancers for Life
by Paul Henderson
April 4, 2025
TDA Alum Annia Mckormick performs in “Summertime” at Tiffany’s Dance Academy Performing Company Showcase at Dublin Theater of Performing Arts in 2023.
At Tiffany’s Dance Academy (TDA), we believe that dance is more than just movement—it's a transformative experience that nurtures emotional well-being, builds confidence, and fosters community. Thanks to our groundbreaking mood study and the expertise of our founder, Tiffany Henderson, who studied Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, we’ve crafted a curriculum that prioritizes not only technical proficiency but also the overall happiness and success of our dancers.
The Science of Dance: What Our Mood Study Reveals
Over the past months, TDA has conducted an in-depth mood study involving 305 dancers aged 5–17. Using a validated 7-point mood scale, we measured students’ emotional states before and after class. The results were remarkable:
Overall Mood Improvement: Students consistently showed significant mood lifts after class, with an average increase of +0.55 points.
Age-Specific Benefits: Teens (15–17) experienced the largest gains (+0.92), reflecting dance’s unique ability to support adolescents during critical developmental stages.
Class Type Impact: Ballet classes demonstrated the strongest mood improvements (+0.67), while synchronized hip hop crews fostered unparalleled social bonding.
Optimal Timing: Evening classes (6:15–7:30 PM) yielded the highest mood boosts (+0.85), aligning with circadian rhythms for peak emotional engagement.
These findings confirm what we’ve always known intuitively: dance is a powerful tool for improving emotional well-being.
Why Dance Works
Dance stands apart from other activities because it combines physical movement, artistic expression, and community connection—all elements scientifically proven to enhance mood and reduce anxiety:
1. Rhythmic Entrainment: The synchronization of movement to music activates reward pathways in the brain, creating feelings of joy and accomplishment (Phillips-Silver et al., 2010).
2. Creative Expression: Unlike repetitive sports drills, dance allows students to express their individuality through choreography, boosting self-esteem (Banio, 2021).
3. Social Bonding: Group rehearsals foster trust and camaraderie, helping dancers feel deeply connected to their peers (Sango & Pickard, 2024).
How We Use Science to Shape Our Curriculum
At TDA, we’ve used insights from our mood study to refine every aspect of our program:
Age-Tailored Classes
Younger children thrive in playful classes like Mini Ballet/Jazz, which introduce foundational techniques while keeping the atmosphere light and fun.
Teens benefit from technique-focused sessions like Ballet 3/4 and Pointe Prep, which challenge their skills while fostering mastery pride.
Optimized Scheduling
By prioritizing evening classes during peak emotional engagement times, we ensure students leave class feeling energized and fulfilled.
Style-Specific Programs
Ballet classes emphasize precision and discipline, yielding consistent emotional benefits.
Hip hop crews focus on synchronization and teamwork, creating strong social bonds that amplify mood improvements.
Performing Company Excellence
Our Performing Company dancers often take 10–15 hours of classes per week. While their per-class mood gains are slightly smaller (+0.55), their baseline mood is higher at +5.7, and cumulative weekly improvement (+2.45 points) demonstrates the profound impact of intensive training on emotional resilience.
Tiffany Henderson’s Vision
Tiffany Henderson leads TDA dancers in warm-up before a performance.
As a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) graduate from UPenn and a passionate advocate for arts education, Tiffany Henderson has combined her academic knowledge with decades of teaching experience to create a dance academy unlike any other. Her understanding of how movement influences mental health informs everything we do—from teacher training to curriculum design.
Tiffany’s commitment to fostering well-rounded dancers means that every student at TDA receives more than just technical instruction—they gain tools for emotional growth that will serve them throughout life.
What This Means for Your Child
At Tiffany’s Dance Academy, your child will:
Develop confidence through mastery of challenging techniques.
Build lasting friendships in a supportive community.
Learn how to manage emotions through creative expression.
Leave every class happier and more fulfilled.
Whether your child is new to dance or dreaming of joining our Performing Company, TDA offers an environment where they can thrive emotionally and technically.
Join Us Today
Dance isn’t just an extracurricular activity—it’s an investment in your child’s happiness and success. With science-backed insights guiding every class, Tiffany’s Dance Academy is proud to offer a program that transforms lives through movement.
Ready to see your child flourish? Contact us today to learn more about our classes or schedule a trial session. (925) 447-5299 or email info@tiffanydance.com.