What is it?
Physical and Cognitive Aspects
When viewed through the lens of a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist, Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) could be considered a tool supporting both physical and cognitive functions. In an aged care setting, it might entail integrating specific dance movements into lively choreography. For Joan, it could mean strengthening her wrists for everyday tasks like opening doors, while Richard, initially unable to lift his arm, finds himself swaying and grooving to music an hour later. Valarie sets aside Sudoku to engage in a clap rhythm combination, stimulating both mind and body, fostering social connections and shared laughter with friends cultivating immense joy and emotional release.
The potential for DMT sessions to address physical and emotional pain points creatively, in partnership with other healthcare professionals, is limitless for many populations.
Dance Psychotherapy: Nurturing Through Movement
Delving deeper, Dance Psychotherapy emerges as a realm rooted in therapeutic relationships, co-regulation, and intuitive application of learned theories. For a child with ADHD for example, finding comfort and self-control might involve engaging in movement that resonates with their inner rhythms, such as skipping or mimicking a kangaroo’s movements in sync with music.
In the therapeutic journey for individuals navigating unique sensory experiences and responses, the focus could centre on fostering self-awareness by gradually developing an understanding of personal and interpersonal boundaries through dedicated body awareness exercises.
In working with individuals dealing with various challenges—be it limited muscle tone or heightened states—DMT becomes a platform for playful yet purposeful activities.
Dance Healing: A Transcendental Journey
Venturing into the realm of Dance Healing unravels a profound tapestry—tapping into ancient practices of ritual, healing, and celebration. This transcendent experience, akin to a collective or individual trance state, seems to echo traditions dating back to time immemorial. It’s an invocation, a communion with the divine or the subconscious.
Reflections of Anna Halprin’s Art Life Practice
In my explorations engaging in Anna Halprin’s Tamalpa - Art Life practice, I’ve begun uncovering internal resources that transcend verbal expression. These experiences might signify a departure into an entirely different realm or level of consciousness—one that extends beyond conventional words or interpretations. It’s this aspect that interests me most as I explore further study, combining movement, drawing and journaling to find tools to aid in healing and self nurturing.