Ballroom dance lessons for geriatric depression: An exploratory study

Twenty depressed, community-dwelling older adults (average age = 69) completed a pilot study of ballroom dance lessons as a treatment for geriatric depression. Participants were randomly assigned to either an immediate or delayed treatment condition. All participants received eight ballroom dance lessons from a selection of six dances (foxtrot, waltz, rumba, swing, cha-cha, and tango) from the National Dance Council of America's syllabus. Effect sizes were in the medium range for the HRSD (d = .51) and GDS (d = .40), and in the small range for the SCL-90R (d = .17). There was some support for self-efficacy and hopelessness as outcome predictors. Participant feedback indicated the dance lessons were enjoyable and well-received.