Dance has always been an outlet for expression. It was an important part of ancient ritual and a vital aspect of ceremonial and religious events in all cultures. Dance is often at the heart of historic and modern healing ceremonies in many areas of the world.
Dance is also a means of communicating feelings between people and of showing respect for nature.
In modern times, dance is both an art form and a pleasant social activity. But it is only since the early 1900s that dance has been used as a therapy to enhance well-being and promote good emotional and physical health. In the language of a dance therapist, dance is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the mental and physical integration of a person. As a complementary therapy, it is used to promote healing and a sense of freedom or well-being. It is an effective outlet for expression and a means of communicating feelings.