The University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with Raising the Barre and Tiffany’s Dance Academy, has announced the launch of a pioneering research study, “Mood Changes in Dance Classes for Children and Adolescents.” This longitudinal study aims to quantify the emotional benefits of regular dance practice in alleviating anxiety and depression among adolescent females.
Led by Tiffany Henderson, owner of Tiffany’s Dance Academy and lead investigator at UPenn, the study will track dancers’ mood states over several years using the PANAS-C (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Child Form) and a custom-designed mood-tracking app.
“In an era where adolescent mental health is increasingly at risk, we believe dance offers a unique combination of physical activity, artistic expression and social interaction that could be a powerful antidote,” says Henderson. “This study aims to provide concrete evidence of dance’s potential as a mental health intervention.”
The research is inspired by the work of renowned psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation” and “The Coddling of the American Mind,” which highlight the challenges facing today’s youth, particularly the impact of reduced face-to-face interactions.
Key aspects of the study include:
– Regular administration of the PANAS-C survey
– Real-time mood tracking before and after dance classes using a custom app
– Long-term follow-up to assess the cumulative effects of dance on mental well-being
Dance studio owners and dancers alike stand to benefit from the study’s findings, which could reshape approaches to dance education and youth mental health interventions.
“We’re not just teaching dance; we’re potentially offering a lifeline to adolescents struggling with mental health issues,” Henderson adds. “This study could validate what many in the dance community have long suspected – that dance has the power to transform lives.”
The study is currently enrolling participants from Tiffany’s Dance Academy, with plans to expand to other studios in the future. Results are expected to be published in leading psychology and dance education journals over the coming years.
For more information, visit www.raisingthebarredance.org/upenn-mood-study.
Contact: Tiffany Henderson, Lead Investigator, UPenn “Mood Changes in Dance Classes for Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study” mood@raisingthebarredance.org
