Abstract

This study is focused on investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s well-being and the connection between their level of engagement in dance and movement activities and self-reported emotional well-being. A total of 480 individuals completed an anonymous and confidential survey via Qualtrics XM. The data was analyzed using primarily nonparametric tests like Pearson’s Chi-Square Test of Independence, Kruskal–Wallis H, or Mann–Whitney U. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the pre- and post-pandemic levels of activity in this sample. Individuals reported that they committed significantly less time to dance and movement activities as a result of the pandemic. Intergroup analyses revealed that women who identified as White engaged more frequently in dance and movement activities during the pandemic, but they also had significantly more anxiety and sadness compared with women of color. Women who identified as divorced, widowed, or separated reported more of an impact on their level of engagement in movement and dance activities than women who identified as married. Women who identified as being in their 20s and 30s were more hopeful than women 60 years and older. Overall, participants who reported spending more time engaged in dance and movement activities during the pandemic were significantly less sad and more hopeful than those who did not.