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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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