Shirina Cao

Dancing Toward Development: A Global Review of the Effects of Dance on Adolescent Cognitive, Mental, and Academic Outcomes

Started May 22, 2025

Abstract or project description

This review paper examines the effects of recreational dancing on adolescent cognitive health, mental health, and academic success. It synthesizes current research to understand how dance participation supports various aspects of adolescent development and finds gaps to fill with future research. While the primary focus is on overall outcomes, the paper also considers how these effects may vary across different cultural and national contexts through the comparison of studies done in different countries. The goal is to highlight dance as a valuable, evidence-based practice for promoting adolescent health and learning, and push for the addition of dance in school curricula.