Dance is the most fundamental of the arts, involving a direct expression of one's self through one's body. It is an especially intimate and powerful medium for therapy. Based on the assumption that body and mind are interrelated, dance/movement therapy is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as "the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, cognitive and physical integration of the individual." Thus, dance/movement therapy affects changes in feelings, cognition, physical functioning and behavior.
The dance/movement therapist focuses on the movement behavior as it emerges in the therapeutic relationship. Expressive, communicative and adaptive behaviors are all considered for both group and individual treatment. Body movement simultaneously provides the means of assessment and the mode of intervention.
We all have experienced the healing effects of movement, whether it be dancing the "electric slide" or taking an aerobics class. The dance/movement therapist intentionally taps into the healing nature of movement by using the art of dance as an observation/assessment tool and then as a means of choreographing responses to issues and movements members bring to a group. The dance/movement therapist responds, echoing and answering each person's movement, thus promoting feelings of self-worth. By utilizing the physical elements of breathing, posture, gesture, tension release, space, force/weight and time, patients gain numerous benefits:
The process of the group addresses socialization, empathy, boundaries, assertiveness and nonverbal communication. A discussion at the end of a session helps individuals connect meaning to their movement experience.
A dance/movement therapy session is a unique and self-contained group therapy which utilizes dance movement as its predominant mode of interaction, communication and expression. It is a complete system that has a beginning (warm-up), a middle (theme development) and an end (closure). The warm-up usually takes place in a circle formation and has several purposes:
After the group has developed a cohesive unit, theme development can proceed. During this phase of the group process, the therapist brings back movements, affects, themes and conflicts that arose during the warm-up in order to lead the individuals into a deeper exploration of these issues. Themes are chosen from what has emerged in the movement. A structured closure is an important part of the session, for it is a way of gathering the group together utilizing repetitive movements that provide the group with a feeling of connection, support and well-being. It is a time for group members to spontaneously share feelings, memories and experiences with each other.
Dance/movement therapy was founded in 1942 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. by Marian Chace. Several Washington, D.C. psychiatrists who referred patients to Chace's dance classes saw firsthand the benefits of her ability to establish a nonverbal rapport, particularly with severely disturbed and emotionally isolated patients. She perfected this approach and was eventually hired as a dance/movement therapist at St. Elizabeth's Hospital working with the nonverbal, psychotic patients. Marian Chace's contributions to dance/movement therapy in addition to her clinical work with psychiatric patients included teaching and serving as a mentor to a great many prospective dance/movement therapists, many of whom later formed the American Dance Therapy Association.
Dance/movement therapists work with individuals of all ages suffering from eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual abuse, Alzheimer's disease, physical disabilities, psychiatric disorders, chronic pain, autism, learning disabilities and emotional disturbances. Dance/movement therapists are employed in nursing homes, senior centers, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, correctional facilities, rehabilitation facilities and pain clinics. They work directly with individuals and in group settings. Dance/movement therapists use movement observation skills as part of a research team; they train other professionals to understand movement as communication and expression; and they consult with community leaders in recreation, education and mental health.
The American Dance Therapy Association was founded in 1966 to establish and maintain high standards of professional competence, education and ethical practice. The ADTA has a membership of over 1,100 worldwide. As one of its functions, the association maintains a registry of dance/movement therapists who have met the educational and clinical practice standards designated for professionals. The Dance Therapist Registered (DTR) title is granted to individuals fully qualified to work in a professional treatment system. Academy of Dance Therapists Registered (ADTR) is the advanced level of registry, signifying that an individual has the education and experience to teach dance/movement therapy, provide supervision and engage in private practice.
Professional training is on the graduate level. Graduates receive a master's degree in dance/ movement therapy. Graduates from an approved dance/movement therapy program are eligible for a DTR. Academic programs stress course work in dance/movement theory, techniques, movement observation and analysis, human development, psychopathology and group process.
The ADTA holds an annual conference and supports the formation of regional groups, conferences, seminars and workshops. The ADTA also stimulates communication among dance/movement therapists and with allied professionals through publication of the American Journal of Dance Therapy, the ADTA Newsletter and timely monographs and bibliographies.
Special attention has been placed on the use of dance/movement therapy with older Americans. On June 18, 1992, a hearing before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging documented the effectiveness of dance/movement therapy and art therapy as viable health services for older individuals. The Older Americans Act Amendments, P.L. 102-375 became law on September 30, 1992, when signed by former President, George Bush. Research is currently being conducted to provide substantiation for the efficacy and benefits of dance/movement therapy with older Americans.
Dance/movement therapy is an exciting career choice. It combines the philosophy of the mind/body connection with psychotherapy, thus providing an alternative to the traditional verbal approach to therapy. Individuals interested in the field of dance/movement therapy must prepare at the undergraduate level for work at the graduate level. The following areas of study are recommended in this preparation process: a broad liberal arts background with an emphasis in psychology; extensive training in a variety of dance forms with courses in theory, improvisation, choreography and kinesiology; and experience in teaching dance to normal children and adults. Introductory or survey courses in dance/movement therapy can help students evaluate their interests and aptitudes before entering a graduate program.
For further information, contact American Dance Therapy Association at 410/997-4040; visit their website at www.adta.org; or e-mail: info@ adta.org
Tamara Brown Wolfe currently works with acute psychiatric patients at Charter Behavioral Health System at Potomac Ridge in Rockville, Md. She has served on the national board of the American Dance Therapy Association as the communications chairperson.