“Dance is the oldest form of expression”
Dance/Movement Therapy
Relies on the premise:
Movement is a language, our first language. Nonverbal and movement communication begins in utero and continues throughout the lifespan. Dance/movement therapists believe that nonverbal language is as important as verbal language and use both forms of communication in the therapeutic process.
Mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.
Movement can be functional, communicative, developmental, and expressive. Dance/movement therapists observe, assess, and intervene by looking at movement, through these lenses, as it emerges in the therapeutic relationship in the therapeutic session.
Movement is both an assessment tool and a primary mode of intervention.
Who Can Dance/Movement Therapy helpful for?
Autism/ASD
Examining studies from 1970 to 2018, this review found that DMT interventions can lead to improvements in social interaction, communication, and emotional expression among individuals with ASD. The review emphasized the importance of methodological rigor in future research to validate these findings. SpringerLink
Parkinson’s Disease
Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) has been extensively studied as a complementary intervention for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research indicates that DMT offers benefits across motor function, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life. Below is a summary of key findings from recent studies:
Cognitive Function: A 2022 systematic review reported that DMT notably enhanced cognitive function in individuals with PD. PubMed
Motor Symptoms and Balance: A 2014 meta-analysis demonstrated that dance interventions led to significant improvements in motor symptoms, balance, and gait speed compared to no intervention. PubMed+1PMC+1
Functional Mobility: A 2017 systematic review concluded that dance practice improved motor parameters and functional mobility in PD patients. PubMed
STROKE (CVA)
This review highlighted the benefits of dance-based therapeutic interventions in patients with neurological disorders, including stroke. It found that rhythmic auditory stimulation through dance can improve gait parameters, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and reduce the risk of falls, thereby enhancing quality of life. ScienceDirect