Editorial
Author/s: Jane Guthrie, Naomi Aitchison
In this volume
2015 Vol. 12 Nos. 3-4
Dance is fundamental to our humanity
Author/s: Amber Gray
Keywords
self-actualization, trauma, resilience, physiological states, restorative psychotherapy, sensory-motoric information
In this article Gray explores the role of dance and its essential role as a healing, empowering and restorative practice which is fundamental to our humanity. Gray draws from her wide experience to portray the ways in which the therapeutic application of dance movement offers clients an opportunity to participate in a process of what she refers to as self-actualization. Gray offers insights into how the cultivation of resilience through DMT may allow the client to begin moving through difficult patterns of pain and trauma. By locating dance movement therapy as an integral part of a wider restorative psychotherapeutic framework, Gray’s article invites readers to explore the value of DMT in terms of its ability to help facilitate physiological state shifts which are crucial to the healing and rehabilitation of victims of trauma. (pp 2-6)
The content on this page is accessible to DTAA members by logging into the website.
The Triangle; ‘Mindfulness’, DMT and Neuroscience – a theoretical approach
Author/s: Dita Federman
Keywords
mindfulness, artistic-kinesthetic action, body activities, symbolism, group rhythm, therapeutic movement
This is an excerpt from the content:
In this article, I will explain the development of dance movement therapy (DMT) and the theoretical approaches that have influenced that development, present the basic principles of two main approaches, and highlight the connection between DMT to research of the brain and the concept of Mindfulness. Throughout, I will mention the different branches that came and integrated with the traditional therapeutic approach and became an integral part of the overall therapeutic approach that uses dance as a medium for therapy and diagnostics. (pp 7-14)
My House Burned Down
Author/s: Jennifer de Leon
Keywords
dance, dance psychotherapy, symbol, relinquishment, trickery, honesty
This is an excerpt from the content:
This article is about dance and therapy: it discusses how the author / dancer- choreographer / and dance therapist uses dance in her practice and how dance may be a potent tool in the therapeutic journey. (pp 15-23)
My Personal Journey to Dancing and Beyond
Author/s: Jeff Withers
Keywords
passion, purpose, i-Ching, ballroom dancing, personal performance, coaching
In this personal reflection Withers shares how he has come to value dance as an important aspect of both his professional and personal life journey. Withers draws on his early days as a professional musician and weaves this deep appreciation of art into his his more current other areas of interest, including psychology, i-Ching, and more recently, Dance-Movement Therapy. As a coach within the small business and corporate world Withers highlights how dance has become a part of his mentoring skill set, and he links dance to key elements of performance and business coaching. Withers also reflects on his personal involvement with Ballroom Dancing and speaks of the mental and emotional aspects relevant to this practice. (pp. 24-27)
Dancing with Change
Author/s: Heather Hill
Keywords
dementia, creativity, awareness, improvisation, change, personhood
This is an excerpt from the content:
In the first of these two articles, Heather introduces the concept of dance as a model for creating a positive approach to supporting people with dementia and their family carers. It is based on the concept that the qualities required in dance – creativity, improvisation, awareness and the ability to adapt to change – also apply to dementia care. (pp 35-38)
The adventure (not dementia) club
Author/s: Heather Hill, Joanne Pine
Keywords
dementia, collaboration, relationship, appreciation, strength, celebration
This is an excerpt from the content:
Joanne and Heather report on the results of their Style Café program in Victoria, which puts the concept of ‘dancing with change’ into practice. This concept, featured in a previous article in the Australian Journal of Dementia Care, offers a positive approach to supporting a person with dementia, their partner and family. (pp 39-43)
The content on this page is accessible to DTAA members by logging into the website.
HEMF Research Grants Report: Developing an iPad app for assessment in dance movement therapy
Author/s: Kim Dunphy, Sue Mullane
Keywords
assessment, evidence-based practice, Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation, technological innovation, disability, therapeutic goals
Researchers Sue Mullane and Kim Dunphy report on the progress of an iPad app they have been developing for assessment in Dance Movement Therapy. Mullane and Dunphy were awarded the Hanny Exiner Memorial Grant to support their work in this area, and the following report details their progress to date and future directions. The report addresses the main issue surrounding assessment in DMT – the “dearth of relevant and accessible frameworks and functional tools to collect data” and the subsequent lack of technological innovation which the iPad app seeks to address. (pp 44-46)
Book Review. The Healing Dance: The Life and Practice of an Expressive Arts Therapist
Author/s: Sharon Paetzold
Opening a Pathway: Exploring DMT Training in Aotearoa
Author/s: Anaia Treefoot
Anaia reflects on the inaugural year-long Certificate in Dance Movement Therapy held in 2014 in Aotearoa / New Zealand. Discussing the emerging profession of DMT in NZ Anaia’s article notes the need for guidelines for training and professional practice in this area. In reflecting on the Certificate program Anaia describes how It evolved in response to parallel needs in the NZ community- the needs of people who are interested in using dance as a therapeutic practice to gain knowledge and experience; and the need for more DMT practitioners in various communities around the country. The journey is one of learning and growth, according to Anaia, as the development of DMT as a profession continues to emerge in the land of the long white cloud. (pp 28-30).