Dancing for Dopamine

A flyer to promote Dancing for Dopamine to students at The University of Olivet. Flyer provided by Jordan Kruskie.

As a peer coach in the Health and Wellness Center, Jordan Kruskie, senior psychology student at The University of Olivet. created a weekly event named, “Dancing for Dopamine”.  

Kruskie said she “created this program for people to have a safe place to come and try something new.” 

Meeting times are every Thursday from 5:30-6:30 in the Mott Academic Center second floor auditorium. 

“Dancing for Dopamine is for everyone; no experience is needed. Anyone can feel free to stop in for a few songs, or the whole time.” said Kruskie. 

Kruskie said, “at our meeting times, I will be playing music for whoever would like to join. So far, I have been teaching line dances, but I plan to teach some swing dancing at future meetings as well.” 

“We expect more out of kids than most adults,” said Chris Palmer, school counselor at Portage Central Middle.  

“Sitting in a meeting all day is hard for anyone to do. About halfway through a day of meetings I am full of energy that needs to get out”, said Palmer 

“Dancing and moving your body are great ways to trigger a dopamine release in your brain, which can help improve your mood and decrease stress,” said Kruskie. 

“Whether it’s excitement, anxiety or stress, we have to get it out,” said Palmer. “We need an opportunity to let the energy out.” 

Try out this free weekly event to find a new way to de-stress. As Kruskie said, “This is a great way to relax, have fun, and enjoy a little break from all the weekly stressors”. 

Be sure to check out the events calendar on UO’s site for more daily and weekly events. 

Written by Ashley Vosburgh