Women’s sensuality and well-being in dance: A systematic literature review and qualitative synthesis

The present study analyzes the role of women’s sensuality and well-being in dance through a systematic literature review and is presented within a non-dualistic framework, referring to systems theory and the bio-psycho-social model of health. The qualitative synthesis of fourteen academic papers resulted in three themes, namely the conceptualization of sensuality, the different pathways of the positive relationship between sensual dances and subjective well-being (an enhanced sense of empowerment, increased positive body image, sense of community, and holistic healing), and sensual expression understood as agency, not oppression. Additionally, the results are discussed in relation to sexual health and sociopolitical implications. All in all they point to the therapeutical potential of sensuality in dance for women. The small number of articles included due to the lack of research in this area and the the observational nature of the studies limit the external validity of the results. In light of this and the potential individual and sociopolitical implications of these results, future research should expand on this topic.