Keywords
Marian Chace, therapeutic relationship, symbolic movement, rhythmic movement, group therapy, mental illness
The following article was written by Sharon on her presentation given at the third Dance-Movement Therapy Conference – ‘Weaving The Threads’ – in Melbourne in 2007.
This brief article overviews the concepts presented by DMT pioneer Marian Chace who worked using dance therapy from 1940 until her death in 1970. Sharon describes the essential elements used to build trust, support change and she overviews interventions focussed on by Chace. Sharon intended to “…provide some experiences to illustrate the way dance (in its broadest sense), the body, the role of the therapist, relationships with others, the process of a group all were part of Chace’s early observations and the way they affect dance/therapy practice.” (pp 2-3)