A DANÇA COMO TERAPIA NO COMBATE AO ESTRESSE FEMININO: EXEMPLO DA DANÇA DO VENTRE NO BRASIL

Abstract

This paper explains how the practice of dance can be an effective approach to enhance the life quality of modern people, reducing stress levels, increasing connectivity to their community and especially by increasing their confidence and self-esteem. It explains common causes of stress for women and how it can be relieved through the practice of belly dance, by improving self-esteem, body awareness, physical and mental balance and confidence of the practitioner. The paper also makes a literature review containing case studies where the use of dance as therapy is really shown to be effective in improving health and living conditions of people of all ages. Examples taken from the belly dance community of Brazil are given to support these claims. Index Terms  stress, self-esteem, dance, belly dance, woman health, life quality.