Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Dance in the Academic Schedule: The Effects on Stress Among High School Students

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the minds of dance students about the stress they experienced as a result of their academic schedules and extracurriculars. The following research questions informed this study: Q1 Does incorporating dance into the academic schedule lower stress in high school students? Q2 In what mental state are students before and after taking dance class? Q3 Does dance provide mental health benefits for high school students? Student stress was evaluated before the study using a questionnaire as well as before and after each dance class through surveys. Eighteen students participated in a group interview at the conclusion of the six-week study to discuss how dance affected their mental health and the benefits of including dance in the academic schedule. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained from this study suggested that dance in the academic schedule reduced stress in high school students.