Therapeutic Dance Research Articles

Therapeutic Dance Experimentation: Implementation of Post-Pandemic Movement Therapy

During the Covid-19 pandemic, people were constrained from carrying out physical activities due to social restrictions that had social, economic, and psychological impacts. People experience a decrease in body fitness, making them susceptible to disease. Dance therapy (DT) believes that the body and mind interact. Movements have a symbolic function and thus can help in understanding the self. Movement improvisation allowed people to experiment in new ways. Through non-verbal mediation, DT provided a method or channel for people to consciously understand the initial relationship with negative experiences, such as being affected by a pandemic. Through the unity of body, mind, and spirit, therapeutic dance provides a sense of wholeness to all individuals. DT enabled holistic creative expression by forming the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. The research aimed to apply a dance therapy model for children, disabilities, and older people to improve post-pandemic community fitness. This research supported the directives of the National Research Master Plan (NRMP) primarily on the health theme. It aligned with the ISI Surakarta Research Master Plan (RMP), focusing on developing art therapy. Method Development of the DT method went through four stages 1) Preparation: warm-up phase, a safe space was formed without obstacles or disturbances, and connections were formed that supported coparticipants' comfort in getting 2) Incubation: verbally encouraged participants to enter into the subconscious and develop an open attitude to create an atmosphere of serving participants, a relaxed atmosphere through dance movements. 3) Illumination: an integrated process through awareness with dialogue and self-reflection in which participants uncover subconscious motivations and increase self-awareness. 4) Evaluation: discussed the insights and significance of the DT process. This dance's creation applies the psychoanalysis theory by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). We emphasized the behavioral aspects of human psychology by Sigmund Freud, which highlighted the realm of consciousness, which included three levels: the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious. Keywords: dance, art therapy, holistic, disability, psychoanalytic DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-10-05 Publication date: May 31 st 2023

La visualisation : un autre mode de traitement de l’Objet pulsionnel voix dans l’autisme

ObjectivesThis work aims to examine the subjective relationship, for autistic people, to the voice and to the other. More specifically, it questions the possibility of expression of the object-voice in autism, mainly through dance. MethodIn addition to oral expression and voicing, the authors propose a third mode of processing the voice through visualization. This hypothesis was tested through a therapeutic dance project with an autistic child within an institutional setting. ResultsOver the course of the sessions, by exploring directed and addressed movements, this project allowed for the sketching out of a common gestural grammar leading to expression through dance. DiscussionBy making the hypothesis that the invoking drive can be transposed in movement through a passage from the mouth-ear drive loop to the body-eye loop, the analysis of the different clinical extracts presented and the identification of the invoking drive loop allow us to witness a visualization of the voice. ConclusionMediation through dance or movement for the autistic person could facilitate the establishment of interpersonal relationships and could make possible the expression of the libidinal voice.

Effect of the GERAS DANcing for Cognition and Exercise Program on Physical Function in Older Adults.

GERAS DANcing for Cognition and Exercise is a therapeutic dance program for older adults with cognitive or mobility impairments. Using a pre-/posttest study design, we investigated the effect of 12weeks of dance on the short performance physical battery (SPPB). In 107 participants aged 61-93 (mean 76.1, SD = 7.0; 20% men), over 90% had multifrailty and/or cognitive impairment. The mean attendance rate was 18/24 classes (75%). A substantial minimal clinically important difference (>0.4) occurred for SPPB total (+0.53, SD = 2.04, p = .002) and chair stands (+0.45, SD = 0.92, p < .001). Individuals with baseline SPPB ≤8 points (n = 38)-indicative of sarcopenia and physical frailty-had the most marked improvement (SPPB total: +1.45, SD = 1.97, p < .001; balance: +0.65, SD = 1.27, p = .006; chair stands: +0.68, SD = 0.97, p < .001). GERAS DANcing for Cognition and Exercise may be a promising rehabilitation intervention to improve daily physical function.

THE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT OF THERAPY DANCE MODEL AS AN EFFORT TO INCREASE THE INTEREST OF SURYA KIRANA STUDENTS

Dance that is known by the general public is a dance that functions as a traditional ceremony, entertainment or performance. But on the one hand, dance is able to become a medium for expressing feelings, processing feelings and providing concentration. By using Margareth H. Doubler's method of movement quality, the therapeutic dance model was developed based on existing therapeutic dance theories. The results also showed that there were changes felt to students who underwent therapeutic dance for four meetings as evidenced by the results of observations and interviews conducted together with students.

Crip/Mad Archive Dances

Petra Kuppers reflects on her work in the crip/mad archive, which explores the work of mad, queer, and disabled predecessors in the fields of dance and performance. Kuppers consider how her personal relationship to therapeutic dance has changed (particularly therapeutic practices led by nondisabled artists such as Anne Wilson Wangh) and the importance of movement and embodiment in Kuppers’s own work—including a close description of ritual dance reenactments she conducted alongside her archival work at Lincoln Center in New York in 2021.

Magic on Wheels: A Study of Re-engagement, Re-enactment and Re-staging the Stereotypes of Performativity and Performance of Persons with Disabilities in the Choreography of Syed Sallauddin Pasha

Amidst society’s segregation of the people among minorities on the basis of gender, race, caste and creed, it is difficult to locate the position of another extreme social minority, i.e. persons with disabilities. But the turn of the century has validated some art and activism performed by persons with disabilities due to which the disabled have marked their position in literature, film and media to some extent, yet they have not secured a position of dignity in the mainstream. To make disabled people visible, Syed Sallauddin Pasha (the father of Indian dance therapy for persons with disabilities) initiates his own Natya Shastra i.e. Classical Wheelchair Dances for differently-abled artists. Drawing upon Syed Sallauddin Pasha’s therapeutic dance choreography, the present paper studies performance arts in the context of differently-abled people, and for this, the paper explores the intersection of Performance Studies and Disability Studies. In performing arts (or dance in particular), the body is the medium of representation, likewise, the body defines the identity in the context of disabled people. Therefore, the paper by studying the intersection of Disability Studies and Performance Studies, explores the stereotypes related to the body by scrutinising the disabled dance bodies on the stage. The paper further attempts to explore the idea of accessibility for persons with disabilities by taking into account the assistive devices and accessible architecture. The study then goes into an analysis of spectators’ response, stare and gaze towards disability dance performances. In a broader context, the paper offers to scrutinise the negative stereotypes attached to disability and disabled dancing bodies on stage by exploring the nuances in Syed Sallauddin Pasha’s choreography.

Dance and embodiment: therapeutic benefits on body-mind health

Dance is a universal form of human expression that constitutes a physical activity and a body language that involves motor, cognitive, visuospatial, emotional and social engagement. This article is focusing on the therapeutic benefits of dance regarding body-mind health. After an introduction, we discuss the connection between body movements and the nervous system, highlighting the neuronal correlates of dance recently evidenced by new methods in neuroscience of dance, showing how dance can positively act on the brain and the nerves and opening a wide range of opportunities to deal with body-mind health based in therapeutic dance approaches. We then present a review of scientific studies addressing the therapeutic effects of different practices involving dance, which are very structured on the embodiment or body consciousness aspect of the dance. The last section illustrates some clinical psychological benefits of dance therapy in clinics, when used at the bedside, focusing on the psychological and emotional points of view. In conclusion, this article reviews how recent methods allow demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of different dance approaches, that appear closely related to the essential role of body consciousness promoted by dancing.

Methods for Healing Hip Arthrosis by the Means of Therapeutic Dance Education

Methods for Healing Hip Arthrosis by the Means of Therapeutic Dance Education

Hacer agua de limón: aplicación del método Core Danzaterapia con personas con VIH

Este trabajo presenta elementos de la investigación que realicé sobre los beneficios de la danzaterapia en un grupo de personas con VIH.1 El objetivo fue analizar las transformaciones en la percepción corporal que experimentan las personas con VIH a través de la danzaterapia. Se realizaron observaciones etnográficas de las sesiones de danza terapéutica, además de entrevistas en profundidad para conocer los probables cambios emocionales y corporales que las y los asistentes a las sesiones han percibido a través del movimiento corporal. Entre los resultados obtenidos se observa que un grupo de personas con VIH, han reflexionado sobre su relación con el cuerpo antes y después de adquirir el virus, e incluso han resuelto emociones reprimidas. Y también a través del movimiento han logrado crear nuevas formas de relacionarse con cuerpo y con su entorno.

Children Are Born to Dance! Pediatric Medical Dance/Movement Therapy: The View from Integrative Pediatric Oncology.

Children freely expressing themselves through spontaneous dance is a natural part of childhood. The healing powers of dance are universal in all cultures across history. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) in pediatric oncology is little known and underutilized. This article discusses DMT, specifically focusing on pediatric oncology. It defines and clarifies the difference between medical DMT as a psychotherapeutic modality aimed at addressing the patient’s psychosocial needs, and dance and therapeutic dance used recreationally to engage patients during their hospital visits. A literature review of DMT with medically ill children in the United States and worldwide is provided. It culminates with a focus on advancements in the field, discussing the future of pediatric medical DMT. Grounded in a biopsychosocial perspective, the intrinsically nonverbal and embodied nature of pediatric medical DMT is uniquely positioned to be a strong component of integrative oncology services. The use of DMT to synthesize potentially traumatic aspects of the medical experience is proposed. It ends with a call for research posing the question: Can pediatric medical DMT support the patient to express feelings while in cancer treatment within the context of a psychotherapeutic milieu, enabling the patient to create an embodied coherent narrative that fosters expressivity and empowerment?

Psychometric properties of Profile of Mood States (POMS) in people with dementia and its application in the evaluation of the effects of therapeutic creative dance

There is a growing need for scientific studies and tools that allow the evaluation of the effects at an affective level of some non-pharmacological therapies for people with dementia such as the creative therapeutic dance. To explore the validity and reliability of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in people with dementia and to analyse the possible differences in the scores of the participants before and after sessions of creative therapeutic dance. POMS was administered to 36 people with dementia before and after four group sessions of creative therapeutic dance. To verify the construct validity, PANAS and STAXI-2 were also administered. The POMS presented a good internal consistency for each factor and an excellent one for the total scale. The temporal stability was medium-high. Convergent validity results support construct validity. After the creative therapeutic dance sessions, POMS factors tension, depression and confusion were reduced, while vigour increased significantly. There was no effect on fatigue and anger. The validity and reliability of POMS have been demonstrated in a population with dementia. Creative therapeutic dance can offer emotional benefits for people with dementia.

Danza terapéutica y ejercicio físico. Efecto sobre la fibromialgia

Objetivo: Establecer el efecto de la danza terapéutica y del ejercicio físico sobre la sintomatología y el número de puntos dolorosos en mujeres con fibromialgia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental que consideró una muestra probabilística aleatorizada. Un total de 37 mujeres con fibromialgia fueron sometidas a programas de danza terapéutica (n=18) y ejercicio físico (n=19). La edad promedio fue 47,4±8,4 años. La duración de la intervención fue de 3 meses con una frecuencia de entrenamiento de 2 sesiones por semana y una duración de 60 minutos por sesión. Todas las participantes suministraron información que permitió determinar el índice de dolor generalizado y la escala de severidad de síntomas. Resultados: La danza terapéutica y el ejercicio físico disminuyeron significativamente el número de puntos dolorosos (12,1±2,8 a 7,3±3,1 para valores pre y post respectivamente (p=0,000)); y los síntomas asociados a la fibromialgia (8,7±2,3 a 5,7±2,6 para valores pre y post respectivamente (p=0,000)). Conclusiones: La danza terapéutica y el ejercicio físico tienen un efecto benéfico equivalente en la disminución del índice de dolor generalizado, la depresión, los síntomas cognitivos y los trastornos del sueño en mujeres con fibromialgia.

ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THE SAME THING: AFRICAN AMERICANS’ RESPONSES TO THE BRFSS COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND CAREGIVER MODULES IN OREGON

Health education and intervention messages are more effective when culturally appropriate for the targeted group.1 While the increase in cases of cognitive decline negatively affects the broader U.S. population, cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia disproportionately affect African Americans.2 The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a randomized national telephone survey developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administered by state health departments.2 The goal of BRFSS is to collect prevalence data concerning health-related risk behaviors and the use of preventive health services.3 Four focus groups (n=30) were completed with African Americans aged 45 and older living in Oregon. BRFSS cognitive impairment and caregiver surveys were administered, which guided subsequent group discussion. Participants were asked to reflect on experiences with cognitive decline and caregiving, how they make meaning of their experiences, and how they interpret survey terminology, such as “Alzheimer's disease,” “Memory loss,” “Confusion,” “Dementia,” and “Caregiving.” Discussion transcripts were coded using a content analysis approach. Data was interpreted within the Africana methodology, wherein the researcher is immersed in the research cultural worldview recognizing the interdependence of people and the environment remaining aware of the impact between researcher and research participant.4 BRFSS survey responses differed from focus group responses to the same questions. One survey response reported past-month care, while in discussion, 8 participants shared past-month activities they considered caregiving. Participants had expansive definitions of caregiving, such as therapeutic dance, and held widely differing interpretations of BRFSS terminology. Participants were unclear about what constituted age-related cognitive changes like memory loss and confusion, and what constituted dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Key terms used in cognitive health messaging are not universally understood. African American interpretations, as understood through their experiences with memory loss, confusion, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and caregiving, can inform culturally responsive messages that more strongly resonate within the African American community, potentially prompting people to take actions towards better health. Understanding these perspectives is critical for improving dementia research especially in areas such as identifying subjective cognitive decline, caregiver intervention studies and treatment trials where efficacy of reported functional capacity is key.

Effects of Dance Classes on Cognition, Depression, and Self-Efficacy in Parkinson’s Disease

Executive function is an area of cognition commonly impaired in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Deficits often result in poor planning, slow reactions, and reduced initiative. Reduced physical function is also associated with PD but studies indicated that it can significantly improve through dance (Earhart, 2009; Hackney et al., 2007a, b). Dance may provide some positive effect on executive function but there’s little research investigating the effects of dance on cognitive symptoms of PD. The objective of this study was to determine whether executive function improves in individuals with PD following a dance program. Three different executive function measures (semantic fluency, dice, and fist-edge-palm) were assessed before and after an 8-week dance class that met twice a week. All measures were from the scales for outcomes in Parkinson’s disease-cognition (SCOPA-COG). The fist-edge-palm measure was also assessed before and after one single class. Six individuals with PD and between 62 and 87 years of age participated in the study. Results showed no significant changes in any of the three executive function tests administered before and after the 8-week dance program. However, the fist-edge-palm measure given before and after a single class significantly improved (p = 0.02). This suggests that therapeutic dance may specifically improve the executive function domain of cognition, particularly when connected to physical movement. This finding also suggests that participating in dance class on a daily short-term basis can improve executive function. If this effect is consistent, dance programs could improve short-term executive function in individuals with PD.

More than just dancing: experiences of people with Parkinson’s disease in a therapeutic dance program

Purpose: To understand why individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) participate in a community-based therapeutic dance program and to explore its influence on perceived physical, social and emotional well-being of participants.Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed using one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Individuals with PD who participated in the Dancing with Parkinson’s program were recruited from two locations. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified and then placed into NVivo 10 software for analysis. A content analysis approach was used with an inductive analysis method to generate a coding scheme. Group discussion facilitated development of overarching themes.Results: Ten participants’ responses revealed that the dance program allows for self-improvement and regaining identity through disease self-management. Positive influences of socialization arose through the class, decreasing isolation and improving quality of life. Participants communicate through music and dance to enhance connection with others.Conclusions: Dancing with Parkinson’s classes allow for re-development of the social self, which can increase sense of enjoyment in life. Dance programs provide opportunities for social interaction, non-verbal communication and self-improvement, reestablishing self-identity and a sense of usefulness. This study provides unique insight into the experience of participating in a dance program from the perspective of individuals with PD.Implications for rehabilitationDance is emerging as a strategy to address the physical and psychosocial effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but little is known regarding participants’ perceptions of community-based therapeutic dance programs for PD.This study found that Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) facilitated an improvement in social participation, resulting in decreased isolation and improved quality of life.Participation in the DWP program can facilitate a positive change in perspective and attitude toward a PD diagnosis, thereby increasing feelings of self-efficacy and improving self-management of the disease.Participants of this study emphasized the multifaceted benefits of DWP, suggesting that it has great potential for addressing not only the physical challenges, but also the cognitive and emotional challenges associated with PD.

Evaluation of dance therapy effects on gait pattern in patients with previous cerebrovascular events: Randomized study results from a single center

Aims: As stroke is a complex medical condition involving physical, psychological and cognitive impairments, and also causes restrictions in daily activities and social participation, its rehabilitation is very important, but challenging. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of therapeutic dance programs on walking ability and balance in post-stroke patients, when combined with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections and conventional rehabilitation program. Methods: A total of 51 post-stroke hemiplegic patients treated with BTX-A, who attended the conventional neurological rehabilitation program of the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic of Kocaeli University Medical School between November 2014 and December 2015, were included in this prospective, randomized, single center study. Patients were randomized as 1:1 into adapted tango classes (n = 27) and control group (n= 24). Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), BBS, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. Results: Patients in the tango and control groups were well-matched in age, gender, and stroke side during randomization. There were statistically significant improvements in the tango group in MAS (p = 0.002), in TUG (p lessthan 0.001), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (p lessthan 0.001) when compared with the control group, respectively (p lessthan 0.001, p=0.042, p lessthan 0.001). Balance improvement was more prominent in the tango group than in the control group (p= 0.003). Conclusion: Partner adapted tango dance therapy accompanying BTX-A injections may improve postural balance in ambulatory post-stroke patients, who are treated with the conventional rehabilitation program.

Therapeutic Argentine Tango Dancing for People with Mild Parkinson's Disease: A Feasibility Study.

Individuals living with Parkinson's disease (PD) can experience a range of movement disorders that affect mobility and balance and increase the risk of falls. Low health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety are more common in people with PD than age-matched comparisons. Therapeutic dance is a form of physical activity believed to facilitate movement and therapy uptake. As well as being enjoyable, dancing is thought to improve mobility, balance, and well-being in some people living with PD. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a 4-week Argentine tango dance program for people with PD. Six community dwelling individuals with mild to moderate PD were recruited from Parkinson's support groups, movement disorder clinics, and the PD association in Australia. To minimize falls risk, participants were required to be <75 years of age and physically independent (Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III). They were also required to speak English. Participants attended a 1-hour dance class at a dance studio twice per week for 4 weeks. A professional dance instructor led and choreographed the Argentine tango dance classes. Physiotherapists were present to assist participants during the class and served as dance partners as necessary. The primary outcome was feasibility, which was determined by measures of recruitment, adherence, attrition, safety (falls, near misses and adverse events), and resource requirements. Secondary measures included the Beck Depression Inventory and the Euroqol-5D, administered at baseline and post intervention. Therapy outcomes pre- and post-intervention were analyzed descriptively as medians and interquartile ranges and using Wilcoxon matched pair signed-rank tests. The Argentine tango dance intervention was shown to be safe, with no adverse events. Adherence to the dance program was 89%. Depression scores improved after intervention (p = 0.04). Some challenges were associated with the need to quickly recruit participants and physiotherapists to act as dance partners during classes and to monitor participants. The 4-week, twice weekly Argentine tango dancing program was shown to be feasible and safe for people with mild-to-moderately severe PD.

Nighttime restfulness during daytime dance therapy: an exploratory study using bed sensors.

Dance-based therapy has the potential to slow the progression of functional limitations in older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of measuring the impact of dance-based therapy on the nighttime restfulness patterns of older adults in an aging-in-place facility using passive bed sensors. A secondary data analysis of the continuous 2-month nighttime bed sensor data was reviewed for measurable change during a dance study. A measurable variation in nighttime restfulness level was detected between the dancers and nondancers, and no high or very high restlessness was detected during this period for the dance-based therapy group. Although these exploratory variations are modest, the findings suggest that bed sensors can be used to measure nighttime restfulness following a therapeutic dance intervention. More research is needed in this emerging area.

The Feasibility of a Holistic Wellness Program for HIV/AIDS Patients Residing in a Voluntary Inpatient Treatment Program

The purpose of this project was to examine the feasibility of an ongoing holistic wellness program in a residential facility treating persons with HIV/AIDS. The goal was to create a voluntary, four week holistic wellness intensive within the established inpatient behavioral health treatment program. Participants were given practicable holistic self care tools to effectively manage HIV related symptoms, general medical issues, addiction, depression, stress and anxiety. The program incorporated evidence-based holistic activities including yoga, therapeutic dance, meditation, Reiki, and reflective journaling. Narrative survey results and post-program evaluation support that an ongoing holistic wellness program within the existing treatment model is feasible and could have numerous potential beneficial effects. This project clearly exemplified the ideal opportunity for holistic nurses to implement innovative holistic interventions within the current healthcare delivery system. It is the author's observation that future studies with a larger participant group to further examine measurable benefits can lend valuable information and insight into the future development of holistic wellness programs for residential treatment facilities.

Dancing as a psychosocial intervention in care homes: a systematic review of the literature

There is a need to find meaningful and engaging interventions to improve mood and behaviour for residents of care homes. The demand on care staff might diminish opportunities for them to encourage these activities. Staff anecdotal information attests that dancing as an activity improves mood in residents and staff. Hence, the importance of investigating what dancing brings to the care home social environment. To provide a systematic review of the evidence from studies related to dancing interventions for older people with dementia living in care homes. Electronic databases were searched. Previous reviews were also included, and recognised experts were consulted up to January 2012. Inclusion criteria considered study methodology and evidence that the impact of the dance intervention had been measured. Ten studies were identified that satisfied the inclusion criteria: seven qualitative and three quantitative. Studies used different approaches such as therapeutic dance, dance movement therapy, dance therapy, social dancing and psychomotor dance-based exercise. There was evidence that problematic behaviours decreased; social interaction and enjoyment in both residents and care staff improved. A few adverse effects were also acknowledged. The evidence on the efficacy of dancing in care homes is limited in part owing to the methodological challenges facing such research. This review aims to raise awareness of the possibility of implementing dance work as an engaging activity in care homes. We shall also consider options for future dance work research as a means to encourage relationships and sensory stimulation for both residents and staff.