Dance Movement Therapy

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) recognises that as the body and mind are not separate each influence the other, so change and growth in one can support change and growth in the other.  Dance movement therapists combine the elements of dance, movement systems, creative  processes, and psychological and social frameworks and theories, to address the specific needs of groups and individuals.  

 

DMT uses dance and movement to support physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and cultural well-being.   Dance movement therapy can work with different populations, for example,  children, people with physical or psycho-social disability, trauma survivors, older people, or people with particular medical conditions, such as chronic pain or dementia.  

 

The goals vary depending on the settings and participants’ needs.   In a community setting the goals might be to help create social  connections, make friends, reduce social isolation, have opportunity for a  movement, creativity and exercise, or to explore shared experiences and  circumstances.  One- off workshops might focus on connection, fun and enjoyment through movement and dance.  

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Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy include-
Social health/ inclusion- extending community contacts and support networks.
Physical benefits and well-being-including developing psycho-motor skills, increasing body awareness and repertoire of movements, and getting physical exercise. 
Mental Health and Cognitive Health- helping to develop self awareness, cognitive skills, concentration, sense of identity
Fun and Enjoyment- art-based activities can be very enjoyable and pleasurable.  Activities can be playful and imaginative, work to the interests and preferences of the group.
A safe and held space- prioritises safety of all group members- including physical and emotional safety.  

 

Qualities of Dance Movement Therapy  

• Feelings and improvised movement are the core therapeutic process. 

• Centres around play and experimentation

• Recognises the body-mind connection 

• Prioritises feelings and nonverbal over words 

• Exploring interaction and non-verbal communication

• Dynamic (movement based) 

• Making sense of bodily signals

• Spontaneous and responsive

• Fun

• Creative

• Individual or group work

• Playful

• Therapeutic goals

•  With or without music

• Enjoying rhythms alone and together

How is Dance Movement Therapy different from a dance class?

• Intentions are therapeutic

• Improvisation and play based

• Uses familiar movement/ movement generated by the individual or group

• No right or wrong to movements

• Limited teaching of choreography (one might be created together/ for a therapeutic goal) 

• Limited teaching of dance technique- we explore movements together

• Interventions common to DMT include-

• Attuning together and relational experiences

• Kinesthetic mirroring (the sensory experience of movement to enhance connection) 

• Exploring personal meaning and sense of self
   

A DMT session structure- 
A typical DMT session has a warm-up, theme and closure. It might include mirroring,  music, props (like scarves or bells) and other connection tools.  

 

Lalita has undertaken Dance Movement Therapy in different settings including community, aged care, and special schools.