In this volume

Keywords: Dance Movement Therapy, Adolescents, residential, group therapy, peer support, separation, individuation, competence, identity, socialisation

Page #: 19

Dance movement therapy offers an alternative way to work with adolescents in groups. The history and theoretical basis of group work with adolescents can inform the practice of dance movement therapy in this specialist area. Clinical examples provide an illustration of a group format and exploration of group process.

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Keywords
head injury, rehabilitation, movement range, adaptability, postural awareness, movement confidence

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This thesis reports on the application of Movement and Dance therapy (MDT) in head injury rehabilitation. The research adopted a mixed method approach to examine whether a cause and effect relationship could be established between MDT and movement quality and control. Sub categories of questions posed related to whether MDT could increase movement range; adaptability to the environment; postural awareness and alignment, and movement confidence (p. 21). [/not_logged_in]

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Keywords
laban/bartenieff, kinesthetic sense, power, transformation, creative potential, sensitivity

In this personal reflection Lucy recalls her time studying with Barbara Mettler at a Winter Intensive during the 1980’s. Lucy reflects on some of the movement practices which she experienced during this week and articulates how these ideas continue to inform her dance practice by deepening her sensitivity to her “moving, dancing self.” Lucy calls to mind a particular experiential facilitated by Mettler (an exploration of the state of paralysis into mobility) and discusses how she still, to this day, draws upon the bodily learning which took place many years ago by calling upon the wisdom of the body help to navigate through life’s “rough patch(es)” with ever fresh creative potential. (pp 25-26)

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Keywords
DTAA formation, Foundation Australian dance therapy, Australian dance therapy history

Two of the founding members of the Dance Therapy Association of Australia (DTAA), Jane Guthrie and Denis Kelynack, reflect on their 2001 origins and describe the intentions and processes required for full professional establishment of the DTAA. Varied roles and responsibilities fulfilled by volunteer members are overviewed including; professional development and membership, sharing knowledge, resources and milestones, as well as the launch of the Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation. (pp 5-7)

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Keywords
Elizabeth Polk, Special education, Special needs children, DMT pioneers, dance teaching

Elizabeth Polk, together with early DMT pioneers such as Liljan Espenak in the USA, composed the first official definition for dance therapy. Elizabeth Polk focused on teaching dance to children with special needs, she also lectured and contributed to the formation and growth of the ADTA. Elizabeth Polk passed away at the age of 99 in 2001, after a lifetime of achievement and considerable contribution to the DMT field. This article is an insightful personal tribute to the nurturing and visionary teacher, by one of her students. (pp 8-9)

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Keywords
Laban movement analysis, LMA techniques, LMA concepts, LMA application

Rudolf Laban, one of the pioneers of modern dance in Europe, laid the foundations for the evolution of Laban Movement Analysis and varieties of Laban Movement Study. The following introduction to Rudolf Laban and his student Irmgard Bartenieff’s concepts and principles, centres on its practical applications in working with clients. Sandra Kay Lauffenburger, a Certified Movement Analyst and Therapist has extensive psychotherapy, Pilates and dance therapy training, finds that Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals™ are used in her every treatment. (p.10)

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Keywords
Healing, Cultural comparisons, Australian dance therapy perspective, American dance therapy healing

In a continuation of a thread opened in forum by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA), Heather Hill invites contributions from Beatrice Lucas, Fran Ostroburski, Tony Norquay, Helen Clarke Lapin and Lori Cohen to discuss ‘The Healing Power of Dance’. Each manuscript displays a personal commitment to the dance therapy profession in Australia and complements the ideas of American dance therapists in celebrating individually the curative powers of dance movement therapy. (pp 11-16)

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Keywords
New Zealand dance psychotherapy, Dance performance, New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists, Healing

Advancing the filed of therapeutic dance globally, this article celebrates the first dancer to gain full registration to the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (NZAP). Following is an exploration of dance practice, performance and scholarship, with an exploration and description of dance psychotherapy as ‘the healing dance’. (pp 17-21)

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This issue explores the dimensions of ‘creativity and play’ in dance movement therapy.

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Keywords
Argentinean dance therapy association, movement and dance therapy global networks, dance politics

An outline of the emergence of dance therapy as a profession in Argentina is given, with reference to the historical steps for course development and the inaugural conference proceedings. The author expresses optimism for the profession, amidst complex national challenges and concludes with her own pathway to becoming a dance therapist. (pp 6-7)

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Keywords
Canadian dance therapy, dance therapy global network, self psychology, dance therapy in Pilates

This article overviews the various struggles perceived by one dance therapist to establish DMT in Canada including geography, funding and recognition for an emerging profession. The article concludes with the author’s path into dance therapy, through development of her own unique approach combining different body-based modalities into an educational focus for therapy. (pp 7-8)

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Keywords
Sherborne Development Method, Special education, Down’s Syndrome, Learning disabilities

The Sherborne Development Method (SDM) is part of an international organisation applying Laban movement analysis (LMA) to working with children in mainstream and special education settings. SDM focuses on play, awareness of others and feeling comfortable in one’s body. Three illustrative vignettes demonstrate and discuss the benefits of applying the SDM within special education settings, describing the experiential space for relational learning. (pp 10-13)

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Keywords
free-movement, Reggio Emilio schools, child-centred, evaluation special educational needs, early childhood health

A pilot project offered within a UK children’s centre aimed to develop children’s movement and play experiences through the use of free movement play and dance. It also intended to link with parents and enhance personal and professional development of centre staff, to sustain the work beyond the project. Evaluation revealed an improvement in child and staff/parent relationships, increased skill and knowledge competence in staff and enhanced child engagement, leading to a more child-centred environment. Greater understanding of the significance and the complexity of the work was gained by staff at the centre. (pp 13-17)

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Keywords
Improvisation, Spontaneity, Free play, Dance thesis, Special needs

This article explores Lori’s journey from a thesis dance about Tourette’s, to a subsequent internship at the Noah’s Ark Family Resource and Toy Library for Children with Special Needs. This experience teaches her how to follow the direction of the children she works with in her subsequent internship. Relating strategies of improvisation to the children’s learning, the investigation concludes with observations from children with disabilities absorbed in free play.  Improvisation is described as expanding the children’s responses and range of movement in real time. (pp 17-19)

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Book Author: Charles Stewart

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Keywords
spatial awareness, vision impairment, children, contact improvisation, research, circle work

Educator David Eckel offers an excerpt from a literature review on his research centred on teaching dance for the visually impaired in special education settings. Core methods discussed include: instruction and language, verbal empathy in direction and the use of props, music, space and groups. Challenges in teaching creative dance to the visually impaired are discussed, with creative suggestions drawing on the special education field, dance therapy approaches and contact improvisation. (pp 22-24)

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This issue continues the theme from the last issue, exploring the dimensions of ‘creativity and play’ in dance movement therapy.

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Keywords
Folk dance traditions, Cultural dance traditions, Classical cultural dance

This article discusses the methods of incorporating pre-existing regional folk traditions in current dance therapy practice. The exploration concludes with further directions in performative and non-performative dance in India.

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Keywords
Research, DMT Methodologies, German dance therapy

This article reports from the annual German Research and Thesis Poster session 2002. A number of studies were presented exploring different models for research in Dance movement therapy (DMT). Emphasising the contrast between qualitative and quantitative models, the report outlined methodologies, though outcomes to the studies were pending at the time.

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Keywords
Dance therapy methodologies, DMT efficacy, Dual sensory impairment, vision loss and hearing loss

Empirical evidence either supports dance movement therapy (DMT) for the efficacy of its techniques, or is assumed because therapeutic gains are inherent in the act of dancing. These were two theories that emerged\ from this article on research into the effects of dance therapy for children in a deaf/blind unit. The article mainly focuses on outlining the measurements for scientific testing followed by results of statistical analysis. The article concludes with further large scale study initiatives.

The chart of ‘Right Dance’ is missing, see next edition of Moving On, Vol. 1, No. 4, for an addendum to this article where the chart is printed instead.

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Keywords
Sensory impairment, Special education, Vision impaired children, Dance exercises for blind children

In a succession of articles on visual impairment (see also Moving On Vol. 1, No. 2), this article features findings from research on teaching dance to the visually impaired in special education. The data was obtained from children either partially sighted or vision impaired using interviews and focus groups. This research contributes to various ways of adapting dance in special education and dance movement therapy, especially for visually impaired children. (pp 15-18)

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Keywords
play, Dance therapy curriculum, body knowledge, play strategy, Play therapy

Play, playfulness and creativity are overviewed as ways to support dance movement therapy with children and adults, enhancing body knowledge, therapy and the therapeutic relationship. (pp 19-20)

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Keywords
Performing theatre, Play in performance, Physical theatre

This article describes the format of sessions held by a physical theatre group celebrating ‘difference’ in performing theatre. Methods to promote confidence and self awareness in group members were explored. Emphasis was on the playful approach that encouraged creativity and supported group members. (pp 21-23)

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Keywords
Jenn Ben-Yakov, Irmgaard Bartenieff, Modern dance school, play therapy

This article is an extract from: “Who can I play with today? – an interview with Jenn Ben-Yakov about the Power of Play” by Ruth Meyer, published in, Nieuwsbrief voor Dans-en Bewegingsexpressie Therapie, no 69, November 2001, a newsletter for Dutch and Belgian dance and movement therapists. The editor has kindly given permission for re-printing this extract – included is the biography of Jenn Ben-Yakov from the article and follows with a section which directly quotes Jenn BenYakov herself on the power of play.

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The theme of this edition is ageing and dementia.

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Keywords
Early childhood intervention services, Mobility, Family engagement, Disability, Intervention programs, Intervention

Early childhood intervention services provide a team of clinicians from different disciplines to support children with a disability or developmental delay from birth until they reach school age. The specific role of dance movement therapy (DMT) in intervention for this population is not widely publicised. This article consists of three case studies of children with different diagnoses, who are attending a music and movement group in an early childhood health setting. The three intervention programs are constructed with specific aims and integrate the family in speicialised activities within a group setting. Results include emotional engagement, physical assurance and mobility. The article concludes with client feedback about the program. (pp 3-9)

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Keywords
Dual sensory impairment, Dance process, Non-verbal children, Visual Impairment

An addendum to the article in previous issue entitled ‘Visual Impairment’ (Moving On Vol. 1, No. 3), this article further explores research into dance therapy for children with dual sensory impairment. The main focus was a framework developed over the course of the study. A summary chart of the framework entitled ‘Right Dance’, illustrates the process applied with young nonverbal children in a therapeutic group dance class. The article includes excerpts from results and concludes with adaptions to other populations.

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Keywords
Person-centred care, Dementia care, quality aged care, Dementia rights, Alzheimer’s Association

This article challenges the traditional bio medical approach to a diagnosis of dementia and explores responding to people with dementia from a person-centred approach. The subsequent extract of a speech from the National Conference of the Alzheimer’s Association Canberra in 2001 discusses the emotional effects of the diagnosis and offers hope. (pp 12-14)

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Keywords
Relational psychoanalysis, interaction, relationships, nursing home

Descriptive vignettes from a nursing home describe an approach to dance movement therapy using The Relational Model, emphasising the role of embodied interaction and emotional connection even in the absence of memory. (pp 15-16)

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Keywords
Therapeutic definition, semantics, cultural definitions, therapy definition

This article explores the terms ‘therapy’ and ‘therapeutic’ in regard to dance movement therapy, from differing perspectives including cultural. The discussion is followed by an editor’s note furthering these ideas. (p 17)

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Keywords
Detention centre, Immigration, Social work

This article is a reflection of offering creative arts therapy approaches to the Woomera Detention Centre’s residents, with a focus on dance.  Observations reveal the detainees utilised dance as a form of cultural expression and to try to keep their lives joyful amidst coping with intense emotional states and prolonged uncertainty.

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