In a unique and inspiring collaboration, Steamboat Dance Theatre (SDT) and REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide) have come together to offer a powerful new resource for mental health support. Through their newly established “Dance Vitality” program, dance is being used as a tool to help individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Whether participants are looking for personalized guidance or a sense of community, they can sign up through REPS or connect directly with SDT. Those who join the program will either be paired with a dancer for one-on-one movement sessions or invited to participate in a pre-existing dance class within the community, all funded by SDT.
Dance has long been celebrated for its ability to heal both body and mind, and the benefits for those facing depression and other mental health struggles are significant. For one, the physical activity involved in dancing is a natural mood enhancer. When people move to music, their bodies release endorphins—the same “feel-good” chemicals that surge during other forms of exercise. This helps to lift spirits, and, at the same time, dance lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and easing feelings of tension.
Beyond the physical, dance offers a deeper connection between the mind and body. With every step, turn, or sway, individuals become more in tune with themselves, allowing them to focus on the present moment. In this way, dance acts much like mindfulness practices, encouraging participants to leave behind the worries and negativity that often weigh on their thoughts. For those who struggle to express what they’re feeling, dance can be a profound outlet for emotions. The act of moving in rhythm with music provides a safe, non-verbal way to release frustration, sadness, and anger without the need for words.
Another beautiful aspect of dance is its ability to foster connection. When people come together in a shared space—whether in a dance class or a movement-based therapy session—they’re given the opportunity to bond with others. This sense of community can be especially important for individuals dealing with depression, where feelings of isolation are all too common. Through shared movement, participants often feel a sense of belonging and support, reducing loneliness and offering a valuable reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
Dance also requires mental engagement, which can be a powerful tool in shifting focus away from negative thoughts. Whether learning a new piece of choreography or simply trying to master a dance move, participants are asked to focus their minds on the task at hand. This kind of mental challenge can serve as a welcome distraction, offering a break from the cycle of worry and self-doubt. And as individuals achieve new skills in dance, they often experience a boost in self-esteem, gaining confidence with each new step they master.
Perhaps most importantly, dance allows for creative expression and release. In a world where words often fail us, movement provides a language all its own. Through dance, individuals can explore their emotions in a way that feels freeing and cathartic. The physical release that comes from dancing can help to alleviate emotional stress, leaving participants feeling lighter and more at ease.
By weaving dance into mental health programs, Steamboat Dance Theatre and REPS are offering a lifeline to those who may be struggling. Dance therapy is not only a means of emotional expression but also a way to reconnect with the body, experience moments of joy, and foster a positive shift in perspective. Through movement, participants are empowered to find healing, community, and a renewed sense of hope.
Learn more about the upcoming Steamboat Dance Theatre’s upcoming fundraiser performance A Local Dance Collective at the Strings Pavilion on September 27 & 28.
Submitted by Lori Biagi – Executive Director of Steamboat Dance Theatre
