12-Week Dance-Mindfulness Program Combining Modern Theatre Dance and Mindfulness Practices to Improve Well-Being in Adult Recreational Dancers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating a 12-week Dance-Mindfulness program designed to improve psychological wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and embodied awareness in adults who participate in recreational dance. This randomized controlled trial compares the intervention to a waitlist control group and aims to fill a gap by integrating mindfulness practices into regular dance classes. The study focuses on enhancing emotional regulation, stress reduction, happiness, social connection, and movement confidence through a novel combination of modern theatre dance and mindfulness techniques. The intervention consists of weekly 90-100 minute sessions led by trained facilitators, combining breath-movement synchronization, Modern Theatre Dance technique Grades 2-4, somatic nervous system regulation, and reflective journaling. The sessions follow a structured eight-part format including grounding, technical dance work, conditioning, rhythm improvisation, choreography, cool-down, and journaling. The 12-week program progresses through three phases foundational skills in weeks 1-4, embodied exploration in weeks 5-8, and expressive integration in weeks 9-12. Control group participants continue regular dance activities without mindfulness elements and are offered the intervention after post-study assessments. Participants complete baseline assessments before randomization and post-intervention evaluations at week 12, measuring life satisfaction, psychological distress, mindfulness, happiness, and leisure involvement. A subset provides qualitative data via weekly journals and interviews to explore personal meaning and embodiment. Safety measures include monitoring for mild physical fatigue and emotional discomfort, and attendance tracking requires at least 70% participation. The study includes fidelity checks to ensure consistent delivery across sites. The total study participation lasts 12 weeks, with optional follow-up 1-3 months later to assess lasting effects.

Dance-Mindfulness Intervention for Well-Being in Recreational Adults