Salsa Dancing Can Improve Mental Health and Reduce Depression, Oxford Study Finds

A new study from researchers at the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust suggests that salsa dancing could play a valuable role in improving mental health among young adults experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

The randomized controlled trial involved 121 participants aged between 18 and 24. Researchers divided them into two groups, with one taking part in an eight-week salsa dance program while the other served as a control group. Throughout the study, participants completed mental health assessments before, during, and after the program.

Published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the findings showed that those who participated in salsa classes experienced significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and social anxiety compared with those in the control group. The dance participants also reported noticeable improvements in their day-to-day happiness.

Lead researcher Brennan Delattre explained that salsa combines several elements known to benefit mental wellbeing, including physical exercise, music, social interaction, and structured learning. According to Delattre, the predictable routines, partner rotations, and guided steps may help individuals feel more comfortable engaging socially than they would in less structured group settings.

Despite the encouraging results, researchers caution that salsa should not yet be considered a standalone treatment for clinical depression. Instead, they suggest healthcare professionals and social prescribing services could recommend dance classes as an additional wellbeing activity, particularly for young people who enjoy social and creative forms of exercise.

The research adds to growing evidence supporting social prescribing, an approach that connects people with community-based activities to improve health and wellbeing. Previous studies have found that activities such as martial arts, art workshops, book clubs, Pokémon tournaments, and nature walks can strengthen resilience, improve behavior, and enhance social relationships among young people awaiting mental health support.

Dr. Daniel Hayes of University College London welcomed the findings, saying that effective mental healthcare should extend beyond traditional clinical settings. He noted that while salsa may not suit everyone, providing accessible and enjoyable opportunities for people to stay active and connect with others can have meaningful mental health benefits.

Dr. Keir Philip of Imperial College London also praised the study, observing that social dancing was once a common part of everyday life rather than a medical intervention. He emphasized that the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that salsa cures depression, but rather that it can serve as a valuable complement to existing mental health treatments.

Researchers say further clinical trials comparing salsa with other interventions are needed before stronger recommendations can be made. However, the latest findings highlight the growing potential of community-based activities in supporting emotional wellbeing and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.