A small study found that depression rates dropped after each dance class, with significant improvements that persisted for eight months.

New research suggests that dancing might lighten the depression suffered by many people with Parkinson’s disease, an approach that’s accessible, inexpensive, drug free — and often a lot of fun.

“I don’t know what it is, but there’s something magical about dancing,” said Joseph DeSouza, an associate professor in the faculty of health at York University and one of the study authors. “Dancing makes people with Parkinson’s feel alive and happy. It proved to be an amazing elixir.”

WAPO: Dancing may lighten depression from Parkinson’s, study suggests