Dance Movement therapy

When Liza was diagnosed with breast cancerdefine, the retiree from Southington, Connecticut, was overwhelmed by a feeling that her body had betrayed her, which only intensified after her double mastectomy. A friend recommended an antidote out of left field: dance therapy. She decided to give it a try. "I've been going back every week," Rose says. "It doesn't just make you feel better physically; it really makes you feel better emotionally."

Dancing is a great stress release, because all you have to think about is what your body is doing, and all other concerns fall away.

"Dance Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance through which a person can engage creatively in a process to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration"

Dance therapy is based on the premise that the body and mind are interrelated, that the state of the body can affect mental and emotional wellbeing both positively and negatively.

In contrast to artistic dance, which is usually concerned with the aesthetic appearance of movement, dance therapy explores the nature all movement. Through observing and altering the kinaesthetic movements of a client, dance movement therapists diagnose and help solve various psychological problems. As any conscious person can move on some level, this therapy can work with any population.

How dance helps

When dancing, a person feel taller, thinner, more accomplished, less stressed, more free, more powerful. It also enhances self-confidence having something to be passionate about leads to be passionate about life in general, which in turn leads a person to have a more positive outlook on the rest of the things a person do that don’t involve dance.

It gave a sense of community and helped to develop a strong mind-body-spirit philosophy. People feel more in touch with inner self, more confident about life’s transitions after dancing.

Dance influences from the way a person move to the way he/she think to the kind of activities a person do for fun. It allows to take some time just for self and rejuvenate, which helps to keep life in perspective and stay calmer.

Physical stamina and general well-being contribute to an all-around positive attitude in life. Person becomes more patient, more energetic, eat well, and is in a better mood when dance regularly.

A person learned to be comfortable with body, and to enjoy the harmony of body and mind and able to think both intuitively and logically. Feel less stressed in general which gives a feeling of grace and power that makes one feel proud to begin to overcome fears.

Dance is also another exciting non-verbal way to express and makes a person feel good, when one feels good, one is able to think, be creative in solving problems, be open to new perspectives, and be receptive to new ideas.