BODY LANGUAGE: HOW DANCING IMPROVES SELF-ESTEEM AND REDUCES SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES IN TEENAGERS

Abstract

Adolescence is a stage marked by intense physical, emotional and social transformations, in which the relationship with the body directly influences self-esteem, social engagement and lifestyle habits. In this context, the increase in sedentary behavior among adolescents has raised concerns in the fields of education and health, requiring pedagogical strategies that integrate movement, expression and meaning. This study aimed to analyze, through a bibliographic review, the contribution of dance as a body language to the improvement of self-esteem and the reduction of sedentary behavior in adolescents. The research was based on Brazilian scientific productions that address dance in the school context and its interface with health, body expression and psychosocial development. The results indicate that dance promotes a positive body perception, increases adolescents’ engagement in physical practices and contributes to the adoption of more active behaviors. It was observed that dance experiences foster social interaction, strengthen self-concept and increase adherence to bodily activities, establishing dance as a relevant pedagogical alternative to traditional approaches. It is concluded that dance represents an effective strategy for promoting integral health during adolescence by integrating movement, expression and social participation, contributing significantly to the reduction of sedentary behavior and the strengthening of self-esteem in educational settings.