Dancing can improve mental health, emotional wellbeing, and self-expression, studies find.

News

By Giulia Lindquist  | Newsreporter

The Fitness Center schedules the first modern dance class at JCU this fall taught by Elena Gregori, Athletics Office Head Assistant and Cheerleading Coach. The dance group performed to Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” at the Halloween show on Oct. 31 in the Aula Magna at 6 p.m.  The

The class was first requested by students from the Performing Arts Company, but it is offered to all students and has been attended by both degree-seekers and visiting students.  

“For sure I’m having the chance to meet new people, also from different majors, classes,” said Chiara Ginevri, a JCU ENLUS student.  

Federica Bocco, Assistant Director of Student Services and coordinator of the Performing Arts Company, was involved in the organization of the class. A dance class can be a creative outlet for students, according to Bocco. It is a way to express themselves, other than great for physical wellbeing, similar to the performing arts company, she says. 

“This class can be a good stress relief and also a good way for a new team, a group of people to come together and share something that they like,” said Bocco. 

Bocco proposed the dance class to the Director of Student Services, Pilar Murguia, and also recommended Gregori to be the dance instructor for her rich background in dance and her experience with JCU students as the cheerleading coach. 

Gregori has been JCU’s cheerleading coach for over 10 years and quickly created the team.  She moved to Rome from Treviso, Veneto, to study dance at IALS dance school in Rome (Istituto Addestramento Lavoratori dello Spettacolo.  

“I entered the studio at 9 in the morning and left at 11 at night,” said Gregori. “I attended every class that I could, every style that I could, from hip hop to modern.”  

Modern dance class is designed for the study of technique and the creation of group choreography.  

“If you think that you will never be able to do the splits, your brain will automatically believe you will never be able to do it,” said Gregori. “With patience, class after class, your body will adjust to the improvements in your splits.” 

The students train twice a week to work on choreography. Training is on Tuesdays from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., and on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Fitness Center, located in the Gianicolo Residence at Vicolo della Penitenza, 26. Ext 383.  

“Before dance class, I’m kind of tired after a long day of classes, while after class I actually feel the opposite,” said Carla Tomaino, a JCU student majoring in Marketing and minoring in Communication.  

According to Gregori, dance can allow students to focus on something different when facing limitations or unsurmountable scenarios faced the usual way. Dance can help students understand that there can be different approaches to the same problem.

“Dance is more like a hobby, a moment where I can just relax and enjoy dancing,” said Francesca Covarelli, a JCU student majoring in Business Administration. 

The Dance Research Journal and Sports Medicine indicate how dancing can improve mental health, emotional wellbeing, and self-expression. It benefits cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.  According to The University of Sydney, partnered or group dance may benefit social interactions, and the artistic aspect may improve psychological wellbeing. 

Based on the current success of the class, it is highly probable that the class will be offered next Spring semester. 

“Only positive outcomes can come from it,” said Bocco. “It is an opportunity for students to engage through art and make friends outside of the classroom, and to provide high quality educational opportunities in amateur dancing.” 

---