Introductions / What is Dance Movement Therapy?

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

Introduction

Learning requires an environment where everyone feels included so that everyone's own experiences count. Therefore, introducing ourselves and learning each other's names becomes a necessary step in creating a safe learning environment.  Dance/Movement therapy is an alternative therapy which requires clients, in a group therapy scenario, to know each other's names. This class will mimic the therapeutic environment by having students role-play, sometimes as therapists, sometimes as clients.

 

II

 

Learning Objectives 

 

  • Understand the meaning of dance movement therapy (DMT)
  • Explain the differences between dance movement therapy and therapeutic dance
  • Gain an awareness of the importance of DMT
  • Experience the creation of a safe learning environment
  • Reflect on the importance of the symbology of movement in therapy


III


Main Lesson

 

a) Introduce yourself to the group by saying your name, where you come from, your major, if you have any physical training [dance, martial arts, sports, yoga, etc], your expectations about the course.

b) Write a brief introduction of yourself in which you summarize who you are for those who are not present. Post your introduction on  Discussion Board.   

c) Discuss the definition of Dance/Movement Therapy. Go to page 4 of Meekums' book. Click on the link below.


 Dance  Movement Therapy by Bonnie Meekums 

 

Question 1

 

Articulate a group definition of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) 

 

 d) Discuss the differences between dance movement therapy and therapeutic dance. Go to page 4 of Meekums' book. Click on the link below.

 Dance  Movement Therapy by Bonnie Meekums


Question 2

 

Explain in writing, as a group, the differences between Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) and therapeutic dance.


IV


A Note to Remember

 

Dance Movement Therapy is the psycho-therapeutic use of dance and movement to help the client realize the underlying issues that cause certain social, emotional and psychological dysfunctional behaviors.  However, not all dance or movement is automatically a form of therapy even we know that dance and  creative movement are therapeutic.

 

V


Case Study

 

An Introduction to Dance/Movement Therapy

Nana Koch, Ed.D., ADTR, NCC (National Certified Counselor), CMA (Certffied Movement Analyst) is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Movement Science at Long Island University in New York. She was formerly Coordinator of the Hunter College Dance/Movement Therapy Masters Program (before it closed in 1996). She is a former Chair of the Credentials Committee of ADTA and has been a long standing member of the ADTA Approval Committee. Nana Koch has also had several articles published in ADTA journals. She teaches the work of Liljan Espenak in courses presented in New York and in Japan and Costa Rica (1). 

In one of her quotes, which appears in this video as well as in the American Dance Therapy Association's website, Koch says: "The spark of life started with a movement! Dance therapists use these sparks to help ignite feelings in those whose light has dimmed (2)."

Koch defines dance therapy as "the therapeutic use of movement that furthers the emotional, cognitive, the physical and social integration of the individual (3)." A group therapy session, for instance, has three parts: warm up, development and closure. The warmup starts in a circle; it is the orientation part; it uses music; it ignites movement and connection. The development is about exploration and taking risks, allowing the conscious mind, the unconscious mind and the symbolic to come through as it allows a deeper inner connection. Closure is "saying goodbye;" it is an ending. a separation that allows us to make sense of what was  experienced during the session. A gesture or a short statement about what the client felt, or even holding hands brings closure to the session. Koch adds that "dance therapy is the choreography of emotions in service of the client."

 Source:

1.  https://dtaa.org.au/nana-koch/

2. https://www.adta.org/movement-reflections-and-bookmarks

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhoEjbvIEw8

 


 

Questions

1. After watching the video above, explain in your own words, what is DMT according to Nana Koch?
 
2. What are the goals of dance therapists in general?
 
3.  What are the three parts of a group therapy session?
 
 

VI

 

ACTIVITY

1. Create a gesture and then find the meaning behind it, according to the concept of "symbology of movement." Organize a movement phrase using the gestures of all the members in your group.
 
2. Make a circle and put in practice the 3 parts of a group therapy session (pending).


VII



Write a reflection based on your experience in class today. Post your reflection on Discussion Board.



VIII


Glossary


 symbolic movement

Dance Movement Therapy

therapeutic dance





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