Dance Therapy: Mind and Body Connection

When I was asked the question: “What is Dance Therapy?” I had no idea how I was going to respond. The first time I heard about Dance Therapy I really did not know how to interpret the concept. Was it more along the line of technical dancing or no? If so, how is it therapeutic at the same time? I never would have guessed the journey I was about to take in discovering the meaning behind Dance therapy.

Marian Chace is known as the leading lady in the field of dance and movement therapy. The way she developed her concepts and methods towards her work is still used in groups today. Chace worked with patients who had disorders ranging from schizophrenia to bipolar personalities. With these problems, it was very difficult for them to communicate using their words. Marian developed a trusting relationship with her patients that made them more comfortable with being somewhat vulnerable with her. She gave them new means of communication through the use of their bodies. They moved in ways that they never knew was possible, while still having a therapeutic session. Ideas and feelings developed in the mind can be expressed not only through the verbal communication, but also through the body. Getting more comfortable with your body and recognizing the possibilities you have can help with your self esteem and confidence.

Four major classifications in which Chace used in her therapy sessions:
1. Body Action: Being able to recognize the body parts, stress levels and breathing patterns that may cause a patient to block out certain feelings and emotions without ever realizing it. These physical actions are seen as clues to finding the emotional feelings of a patient.
2. Symbolism: Through symbolism, a dance therapist and their patient can form a new type of interaction. If the patient is performing one movement, and suddenly holds back, the therapist recognizes this and is then able to suggest another image for the patient to follow. By doing this the therapist also begins to gain their patients trust.

3. Therapeutic Movement Relationship: This refers to the method of reenactment. The therapist may reenact their patients movements; not necessarily as a mirror(exact movement) but they may switch it up from time to time by making it broader, smaller, faster or slower. This gives off the feeling of acceptance. The patient can take risks with their movements and know they will have no judgment from the therapist because they are right there moving along with them.
4. Rhythmic Group Activity: “Rhythm permeates every aspect of human life” (Chace 80) Everyday life is revolved around rhythm. Chace looked at rhythm as being a key tool for communication through the body and as a perfect way to connect people because of the fact that it is used by everyone.