Dance and movement is an example of cultural expression that relates to wellness. Dance
and movement are not only ways to physically improve overall health but in many
cultures it is a tradition and a way of expressing yourself. This can include not only
traditional dance, like hip hop, ballet, tap, etc, but there are many cultural dances, and
exercises like yoga and step that can be included in this category.
Connecting to dance and movement can also help people have a more spiritual
connection. “Other spiritual benefits of the arts described are restoring a sense of
identity, dignity, and community, as well as enabling patients to express their own
spiritual state, restoring a sense of meaning, making sense of one’s experience and share
that with others, enabling people to feel capable rather than limited, and enabling the
heart to speak.”(Ettun, R., Schultz, M., & Bar-Sela, G. ,2014) b The message needs to be
that using dance and movement can create a more grounded and spiritual person which
will improve overall wellness. Feeling connected and able to express yourself is
sometimes difficult. Incorporation cultural expression is one way to improve wellness.
I think the overall social implication of cultural expression is that we need to learn about
incorporating more artistic and spiritual activities into our lives. We need to take the time
to not only work on our physical wellness but our complete package, which includes our
spirits. Finding the right tools to help us connect with ourselves will in turn help us to
connect with others.
Ettun, R., Schultz, M., & Bar-Sela, G. (2014). Transforming Pain into Beauty: On Art,
Healing, and Care for the Spirit. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine
(ECAM), 2014, 1–7. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1155/2014/789852
