Differences Between Dance And Movement Based Treatment

By Joshua Reed


When it comes to music, a number of people love to dance. Whether dancing at a club to a live band, at a disco, or community event, dancing can be fun. Whereas, when it comes to movement based treatment, the ultimate goal is a sense of healing emotional or physical issues or wounds.

One aspect of dance therapy uses a correlation of preparation, evaluation, illumination and incubation. This correlation combines these four stages of treatment into one overall plan. Depending on the religious or spiritual aspects of clients, these type therapies have also been known to create a deeper connection to self, and if applicable, spirit.

While non-alcohol, smoke free, dance jams can be fun and at times, enlightening, these are community events. Whereas, dance and movement oriented therapies are often provided at a clinic. At times, this form of treatment might also provided as part of an overall regimen which includes other aspects of physical therapy. Whether one attends sessions at a local hospital or the office of a local physical therapist, it is essential to follow all plans and guidelines to assure success in sessions and overall healing.

While this type therapy has only been recognized in the United States and Europe since the 1930s, with more development in the 1950s, it is nothing new. Dance and movement therapies have actually been used in the Near East, Greek and Roman civilizations for thousands of years. In fact, it was not until the 1950s when a choreographer, dance teacher and therapist noticed the positive effects movement had on a number of students that dance became an acceptable form of treatment.

Up until the time it was discovered that dance had an effect on the mover, movement was seen primarily as an expressive art. Dance and movement were then established as therapies in the 1950s. After which, a number of professional psychotherapists decided to begin work in the field.

Throughout history, dance can be divided into two waves. The first wave involved the use of dance in the medical community beginning in 1942. After which, a choreographer, dancer and therapist began to notice the effects dance had on her students. As a result, the field of dance and movement based therapy was created.

After students began to report seeing positive changes to overall health and happiness, doctors began sending clients to receive treatment. After several success stories from these individuals and others, these alternative therapeutic forms became more accepted as valid forms of treatment for emotional and physical aspects of clients.

The next or second wave brought a new ideology to dance therapy in the 1970s and 1980s. The new ideology sparked a great deal of attention from therapists at the time. A time when therapists began to explore and experiment with different applications associated with dance and movement. It was these applications that evolved into forms and modalities which therapists still use after having seen great success.




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