The Music Center presents: Breakthru
on the Plaza March 17 – June 30, 2025 Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center

The Science of Taking Breaks Together and Moving in Sync

Engaging in synchronous movement with others leads to higher ratings of tolerance, closeness, trust, and desire to see one another again while building stronger social ties [Scientific American]

Movement is an incredibly powerful way to create a bond with a stranger or strengthen a relationship with someone we know. When moving in sync, especially in large groups, this can create a sense of community and togetherness, a moment of peace and jubilation.¹

"The recognition that we're moving in the same way at the same time as other people heightens our awareness of being part of a group, leading us to focus less on ourselves as individuals... But rather than feeling that our individual selves have shrunk, we feel personally enlarged and empowered, as if all the resources of the group are now at our disposal."

"Behavioral synchrony- coordinating our actions, including our physical movements, so that they are like the actions of others- primes us for what we might call cognitive synchrony: multiple people thinking together efficiently and effectively... Moving in sync makes us better collaborators.

Why would that be? On the most basic level, synchrony sends a tangible signal to others that we are open to cooperation, as well as capable of cooperation.... synchrony appears to initiate a cascade of changes in the way we view ourselves and others."²

Performing micro-exercises with others improves psychological and social factors. These synchronous movements create a more positive social climate, bring feelings of vitality and boosts collaboration and the ability to work harmoniously in teams [Scientific Reports]. Synchronous activity may produce positive emotions that weaken the psychological boundaries between the self and the group.

Moving in sync boosts our energy and brings a level of liveliness to our surroundings, thus leading to more effective collaboration and feelings of closeness and an ability to be more involved in groups.³

Just a few minutes of breath work improves mood and reduces anxiety, respiratory rate, heart rate, cortisol, and heart rate variability.

Intentional breathwork brings focus, regulates our body, and creates a sense of calmness. With lower cortisol levels, improved mood, and reduced heart rate and anxiety, we can think more clearly, interact with strangers more confidently and more cooperatively, and enjoy our surroundings.^{4, 5}