When most people think about dance they usually think about ballerinas, shaking your hips, doing handstands, going out to clubs, and so on... Most people would not think that it can act as a healing therapy. A once famous modern dance choreographer and teacher, Martha Graham, once wrote "dance is the hidden language of the soul". Therefore, doing therapy through dance is a way for the mind, body, and soul to be connected. This connection is key to the healing and nurtuting of ones personal wellbeing. Interestingly enough dance therapy and movement have been around since the 1940's. Today dance therapy is used in 43 states and in 21 countries. It is also used by people of all races, backgrounds, and cultures, and with groups, families, couples, and individuals. Dance therapy lessons usually take place in mental institutions, hospitals, day cares, nursing homes, dance studios, and even at home.
People who participate in dance therapy do it for a number of reasons. Whether it be sickness (mentally, physically, emotionally), disease, special needs, old age, precnancy, and more. Dance therapy is a way for these patients to express themselves in a different way. They dont have to talk, answer questions, fill out papers, ect. There movement explains what is going on in their bodies and answers its own questions. Dance therapists learn from their patients particular movements and use it as evidence for a diagnoses. They will then set up an appropriate program for that individual. One study that proves the power of dance therapy had to do with women and breast cancer. The women that participated in dance therapy before and after treatment/surgury were much more confident, relaxed, and encouraging throughout the process. When it can time for their recovery this confidence and high-self esteem helped them recover quicker and get back to their daily lives faster that other women who did not practice in dance therapy.
All of this information proves how dance therapy is an opportunity for all people to help their wellbeing and become healthy. This shows that there is more to dance then just wearing tap shoes or doing back-flips. With the right approach people can actually be healed with its help.
What do you think about this kind of therap?
Is this something you mught be interested in?
Is there anyone that you know who could benefit from dance therapy?
Check out these following websites for more info...
http://www.adta.org/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_2_3X_Dance_Therapy.asp
http://www.artslynx.org/heal/dance.htm
People who participate in dance therapy do it for a number of reasons. Whether it be sickness (mentally, physically, emotionally), disease, special needs, old age, precnancy, and more. Dance therapy is a way for these patients to express themselves in a different way. They dont have to talk, answer questions, fill out papers, ect. There movement explains what is going on in their bodies and answers its own questions. Dance therapists learn from their patients particular movements and use it as evidence for a diagnoses. They will then set up an appropriate program for that individual. One study that proves the power of dance therapy had to do with women and breast cancer. The women that participated in dance therapy before and after treatment/surgury were much more confident, relaxed, and encouraging throughout the process. When it can time for their recovery this confidence and high-self esteem helped them recover quicker and get back to their daily lives faster that other women who did not practice in dance therapy.
All of this information proves how dance therapy is an opportunity for all people to help their wellbeing and become healthy. This shows that there is more to dance then just wearing tap shoes or doing back-flips. With the right approach people can actually be healed with its help.
What do you think about this kind of therap?
Is this something you mught be interested in?
Is there anyone that you know who could benefit from dance therapy?
Check out these following websites for more info...
http://www.adta.org/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_2_3X_Dance_Therapy.asp
http://www.artslynx.org/heal/dance.htm
4 comments:
Really enjoyed reading your blog Lori. I too, have been dancing since the age of 2 out of Auburn, MA. There I have competed nationally as well as taught. The way you take the entire aspect of dance and turn into many different aspects in a persons overall life is very interesting.
Would love to take a class if you teach any older girls!
Interesting! Dance is your therapy as running is mine. I feel as though yoga is emotionally relaxing as well. It's nice to hear that you are so passionate about dance, nice job!
I liked reading your article Lori, and your blog looks great. I found dance as therapy interesting because there really is so many different kinds of physical activity out there that can serve as remedy purposes. In particular I like to run when I'm upset or stressed about something. My best friend's mother is actually a yoga instructor and that's what she does for relaxation and to relieve anxiety. It's nice to know that there's so many different kinds of activities out there for stress relievers because it gives people options. After all, we are all different.
Hey Lori, as you know I am a dancer too..much different than you though! I used to think that I wanted to be a dance therapist because after working with children I began to see how much movement helped them and put them in a better mood. I think this is an excellent topic and more people should be aware that this is out there as an option. These days it is hard to get through life without some sort of help from others, this is a great option for those who don't want to talk and so on, great topic!
Post a Comment