#TraditionalDance

A global review confirms that dancing to music is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful way to boost brain health and well-being. A major meta-analysis published in 2025 shows structured dance programs yield meaningful gains in mental health and cognition, at times rivaling traditional exercise in memory, motivation, and mood.

This finding matters for Thailand as the nation faces an aging population, rising depression, and the broader fight against neurodegenerative diseases. For many Thai communities, from ram wong and line dancing to temple festival performances, movement now has scientific backing as a health strategy.

A groundbreaking global review has found that dancing to music is more than just a joyful pastime—it’s a potent way to boost brain power and mental health. Recent research, including a major meta-analysis published in June 2025, has revealed that structured dance programs significantly improve psychological and cognitive health, rivaling or even surpassing traditional physical exercise in key areas such as memory, motivation, and well-being (El Pais).

This development is particularly significant as Thailand and other countries wrestle with an aging population, rising rates of depression, and the global tide of neurodegenerative diseases. For the many Thais who find joy in both traditional and modern forms of dance—be it ram wong, line dance, or temple festival performances—this research provides scientific support for embracing movement as medicine.