The Neurochemical Dance: Serotonin and Dopamine Interplay in the Brain

Written By: Sofie Liu

Let’s dance

As a dancer myself, I have always viewed dance as a passion that not only allows me to express myself through movement, but also one that acts as a form of exercise in my daily life. There are countless dance styles around the world, ranging from traditional ballet to modern street dance. Many people dance for their own pleasure and passion, whilst others dance professionally and competitively. Various scientific studies have proven that dancing can uplift moods with the release of various neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine.

Serotonin vs. dopamine

Firstly, let’s find out the difference between serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters found in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain which communicate via neurons, while playing a significant role in regulating digestion and changing appetite depending on the body’s needs.

Serotonin	Dopamine
an inhibitory neurotransmitter regulates mood contributes to sleep and digestion deficiency linked with depression, aggressiveness, anxiety	excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter regulates motivation important for normal movement or balance deficiency linked with memory loss, poor digestion and cognition ‘the reward system’: helps to incite a positive mood and heighten motivation

Ways to increase serotonin levels

1. lowering stress through exercise

2. taking walks to soak in some sunlight

Ways to increase dopamine levels

1. eating magnesium rich foods

2. meditating

3. taking vitamin B6 supplements

What happens to your brain when you dance

Aside from immersing us in the present, dance activates brain pathways that produce and release feel-good substances. UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) released a report that highlighted the effects of four ‘happiness hormones’ – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphin (also known as ‘DOSE’) – in our brains. A special combination of these DOSE chemicals released when dancing together explains why a regular dose of dancing not only feels good to you, but is good for you.

According to “Benefits of Dance on Mental Health” by Genni, dancing works to boost your mood as well as lower anxiety and stress. This is due to the neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, released in the brain when people dance. These chemicals are good for the body and brain, allowing dancers to gain happiness that can last up to a week. Additionally, psychologists prescribe dance to individuals suffering from social anxiety as it allows them to become less self-conscious. Another important influence of dance on mental health is the aspect of social bonding which boosts dancers’ moods.

Other studies have shown that dance helps develop new neural connections; specifically in regions involved in executive function, long-term memory and spatial awareness.

Moreover, the enjoyable and rhythmic music played while dancing releases dopamine. This indicates that playing your favorite song and singing at the top of your lungs is scientifically proven to make you happier. It also releases a healthy combination of happiness hormones that benefit you emotionally, physically, and socially.

Dancing helps maintain serotonin levels that support mental habits of calmness, presence, and mindfulness, leaving us less distracted by mundane worries.

Furthermore, dancing is also a form of physical exercise which tests your endurance; thereby increasing levels of circulating serotonin. Healthy serotonin levels can guard against anxiety and depression, improve sleep qualities, and even slow brain aging. As science states, the enjoyable music, coordinated exercise, and frequent social interactions provided by dancing gives you a DOSE that promotes sustained health and pleasure.

Dance & Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements as well as difficulty with balance and coordination. As the disease worsens, people may begin to have difficulty walking and talking.

During dance, dopamine also figures importantly in spontaneous and purposeful bodily movements. Several studies have shown that dancing restores motor functioning in patients with movement disorders. The music, movement, and ingenuity of coordinating the two together taps dopamine systems in ways that spill into overall happiness.

An article published by Stanford Medicine Magazine stated, Parkinson's affects as many as 10 million people worldwide. More than a dozen studies have shown that dance classes twice a week can improve endurance, balance skills and freedom of movement.

“Dance for Parkinson’s Disease” class, also known as Dance for PD, is a program founded 15 years ago and introduced at Stanford in 2016. It is now offered in 16 countries. Not only is the class physically therapeutic, it also gives students a psychological boost. Patients suffering from the disease say the sessions are liberating, and provide a new way to express themselves.

Conclusion

Dance is not only an exquisite form of artistic expression, it also provides both mental and physical benefits for all. Various scientific research have stated that dance can decrease anxiety and depression while supporting your mental health through the presence of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters: factors which ultimately improve your overall wellbeing.