There is perhaps nothing more universal than the drive to move our bodies in sync with music. Studies show that dancing at parties and in groups encourages social bonding. Many researchers have argued that people experience a blurring of the self into their groups thanks to the synchronisation that occurs while dancing. Yet it is also possible that the exertion inherent to dancing releases hormones-like any other form of physical exercise-and these molecules are behind the bonding effect. A new study suggests both views may be correct.
Participants learn not to Judge themselves, to stop seeking approval, and to dance without caring about judgments. We call that a state of "dance like no one is watching”. The joy and freedom of expressing their being will be more powerful than not expressing themselves and worrying about being judged. The real magic though is in what happens to a group of people who go through the experience together. When inhibitions drop, when people learn to "mirror" and "shadow" each other and something subtle and wonderful happens. Team members begin to feel comfortable with each other like never before.
