Since ancient times, dancing has served as an informal method of helping people cope with life's challenges and crises. In modern times, there is a branch of psychology called Dance and Movement Therapy. Viewing a performance can also be a healing experience. Dancing is a complex art capable of expressing feelings that are beyond the limits of language.

There is a profound link between body movements, facial expressions, and emotions. In the mid-1800's, elocution expert Francois Delsarte said that "motion creates emotion" and 50 years later the psychologist William James said that if you make movements expressive of joy, then you will feel joyous (the opposite is true as well). Dancers express a range of emotions during performances, and audiences watching the dances feel the emotions too. Dances with a happy or comic theme generally make the audience smile and feel uplifted too.

Most of the time, watching a performance is simply entertainment, but occasionally it goes beyond entertainment by expressing a deep emotion that we cannot put into words. Without being aware of it, dancers sometimes help viewers in the audience express emotions that they cannot give vent to by themselves.

The Zar Ritual

The Zar ritual from Africa is an example of an ancient dance therapy tradition enduring into modern times. The Zar is a traditional way of releasing a djinni (genie), or spirits who are believed to cause distress, negativity and depression, especially to women. The Zar traditionally consists of a group of women friends and relatives of the "patient," along with musicians and a female leader of the ritual. The ritual consists of specific percussive rhythms and dance movements. The patient is guided through the hadra ritual by the leader, with the support of her friends, until exhausted. The community of participating women also alleviate their own stress through the dancing.

Scientists believe that the swinging movements of the body used in the Zar create chemical reactions in the body which alleviate depression. In any case, the movements of the Zar influence emotions and feelings; dancers report feeling extremely relaxed afterwards. Dance choreographer Ibrahim Farrah called the Zar "the exorcism of a bad day." Besides its traditional context, the Zar has also been staged as a performance piece.

Training from a qualified instructor is required to learn this dance, in order to reduce the risk of injury. Caution is also required; even professional dancers have sustained injuries from performing the Zar.

Modern Dance

Dance is like language; the conversations we have vary from the mundane to the deeply meaningful conversations. A conversation or a dance can unexpectedly turn into something profound.

After modern dance pioneer Martha Graham's interpretive dance Lamentation, a woman from the audience told Martha, "You will never know what you have done for me tonight. Thank you." The woman had been unable to vent her grief from a recent family tragedy. Seeing Lamentation was therapeutic for her; when the woman saw Martha on stage, she saw her own feelings being expressed, and this gave her relief from the emotions that she had been holding inside and unable to express on her own. Some belly dancers (also called Oriental dancers) have reported similar conversations with audience members after their performances. Both modern dance and Oriental dance are capable of expressing deeply personal emotions.

Martha Graham said, "What I learned that night is that there is always one person in the audience to whom you speak. One."

The Ancient and Modern Art of Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is rooted in ancient history, but is continually evolving. It incorporates traditional folkloric dance movements along with some aspects of dances which evolved later, such as ballet. However, belly dancing retains its classical emphasis on expressing joy and happiness; belly dancing is a traditional part of Near Eastern wedding celebrations and parties. All age groups, from children to senior citizens, enjoy belly dancing.

In addition to its entertainment value, belly dancing is also known for its ability to express deeply serious emotions. Women of middle age or older are appreciated as mature artists of the dance form; although youthful dancers are lovely, emotional maturity contributes the dancer's power on the stage, and requires time to develop.

Internationally-renowned Oriental dancer Nadia Gamal once said, "Do you know why I dance the way I do? Because I have suffered. I have gone through divorce, death, a lot of heartache...that's the art. You can show anyone a step, but not a soul."

Professional belly dancers can be powerful performers into their 70's, whereas ballerinas and other dancers retire from performing decades earlier. Although technical expertise is stressed in belly dance classes, emotional expression continues to be a crucial aspect of this dance.

Belly dancing unites the science of body movement with the soulful beauty of art, helping an individual express their unique feelings and emotions. Dance classes are a wonderful way to exercise, alleviate stress, and make new friends.