Moving is Medicine

The purpose of MiM is multifaceted and includes, but is not limited to

• Creating a space for people of diverse backgrounds to gather together to improve social connections through movement-inspired sessions such as afrobeat dance, yoga, and Zumba.
• Utilizing peer support to improve brain, emotional, heart, physical, and mental health through movement sessions.
• Supporting faculty, staff, and students to promote wellness, and prioritizing wellbeing in the workplace.

DanceBlue at UK

Since 2006, dancing to improve health has been a long-standing tradition at the University of Kentucky, exemplified through the Dance Blue Community Outreach program. As a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, DanceBlue raises funds and awareness year-round for the fight against pediatric cancer, while supporting patients and families affected by it. Funds raised by DanceBlue support the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. DanceBlue culminates in a 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon.

Dance is Medicine. Exercise is Medicine. Music is Medicine.

In September 2023, Professor Abraham created and launched the Gospel Afrobeat dance MEdicine (GAME) program in Wisconsin. GAME is a family-friendly bi-weekly program that utilizes afrobeat and afro gospel music to facilitate hour-long exercise and/or fitness dance sessions for kids and adults of all ages in community centers, churches, and schools.

In September 2025, Professor Abraham launched the new monthly initiative at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, “Wellness Fridays: Moving is Medicine.” Every month, faculty, staff, and students gather for an hour to connect, move, and support each other's fitness, health, and wellness goals.

"It was great to laugh with my colleagues while trying Afrobeat Dance for the first time! The midday activity boosted my productivity all afternoon." - Dr. Stacy Taylor

MiM Wellness Coaching & Mentoring Workshop

Kick start 2026 with our first-ever MiM Wellness Coaching & Mentoring Workshop on January 16. This is a dynamic three-hour wellness training designed to boost your energy, focus, and long-term health. We will explore accessible and effective ways to uplevel holistic wellness through fitness, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and stress management.

In this event, you can expect accessible and inclusive movement where we will do light yoga and share practical fitness strategies, exploring a range of topics from cardio and strength training to mobility, balance, and mindfulness. We will also dive into nutrition and eating for optimizing health and cognitive function, as well as offering stress management tools and sleep strategies you can start using right away. Come ready to LEARN, MOVE, and leave with simple, powerful steps to support your performance, health, and longevity.

Upcoming Events

1. Oct92026
   AfrobeatDeborah Onajin & Israel Sarpong-Adu
   Room 170
2. Nov62026
   ZumbaKimberly Jackson
   Room 170
3. Dec42026
   K-Pop/Hip-hopDr. Arryn Blaine
   Room 170
4. Jan82027
   YogaDr. Stacy Taylor
   Room 170
5. Feb192027
   Ballet/Modern DanceDr. Janet Mills
   Room 170
6. Mar52027
   ZumbaKimberly Jackson
   Room 234
7. Apr92027
   K-Pop/Hip-hopDr. Arryn Blaine
   Room 234
8. May142027
   AfrobeatDeborah Onajin
   Room 170
9. Jun252027
   Ballet/Modern DanceDr. Janet Mills
   Room 170

Hannah Luttrell

“I loved getting to participate in my first movement is medicine class! Getting to step away from my office and dance during the workday was so much fun.”

Dr. Hannah Johnson

“I had so much fun. I had a smile on my face the entire time!”

Carter Best

"Movement is Medicine is a fun way of bettering your own health that also helps build community."

Anonymous Attendee

"The class was amazing, and this was the first time I felt I connected more with some of the faculty in attendance!"

Dr. Stacy Taylor

"It was great to laugh with my colleagues while trying Afrobeat Dance for the first time! The midday activity boosted my productivity all afternoon."