Dance+Therapy

Dance Therapy
Dance therapy is a form of creative arts therapy, which uses the experiences of arts to explain and better understand human movement (Mullane, 2008). Dance therapy programs are designed to meet specific goals and bring about therapeutic change (Dance Therapy Association Australia) and can aid in the improvement of physical and mental health (Fibromyalgia Alternative Treatment: Dance Therapy). It combines mind and body qualities that create a connection between physical and psychological aspects of an individual. This enables those to express themselves through movement which may gain access to feelings that are difficult to verbalise. Movement provides an inner awareness of the body and sensitivities to their own particular state of well being, their interactions with others and their environment, as well as the more external experiences.

Dance therapists are able to come to schools and work with the physical, emotional and cognitive dimensions of human behaviour to assess and treat individuals. They design and implement programs to help in many areas including educational settings for traumatic injuries, medical problems, rehabilitation or mental health conditions (Dance Therapy Association Australia). Dance therapy can be used for all ages and all students with or without additional needs.

Dance Therapy Considerations (Fibromyalgia Alternative Treatment: Dance Therapy):


 * Have reasonable expectations. Don’t put unrealistic expectations on students. Having fun, feeling healthy and good about yourself is the most important part of dance therapy.
 * Pick a style of dance that suits the students or combine the different styles to ensure everyone enjoys themself, as this will provide enthusiasm and will keep the student motivated to continue.
 * Focus on self-expression, not comparison. Everyone has a unique body with its own strengths and flaws. Rather than focusing on the limitations, allow the student to embrace their body and the ways in which it allows them to express their self, as everyone is a unique dancer.

Youtube videos on Dance Therapy:

Dance Movement Therapy at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA media type="youtube" key="O4KkQkv3vKk" height="349" width="560"

Dance Therapy by: Jeffery Page Masiongale media type="youtube" key="6_W1-o6M4oQ" height="349" width="425"

References:

American Dance Therapy Association, //What is Dance/Movement Therapy,// retrieved from []

Dance Therapy Association Australia, //What is Dance-Movement Therapy?// Retrieved from http://www.dtaa.org.au/therapy.htm

Fibromyalgia Alternative Treatment: Dance Therapy, retrieved from http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/dance_therapies.html

Mullane, S. 2008, Really Moving: Dance Therapy Activated in a Special Developmental School Setting, retrieved from http://symposium.portphillip.vic.edu.au/files/talks/Sue_Mullane.pdf