Why Do We Dance?

Posted by Jo Murphy Sep 1, 2006

"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams." Kathleen Academy.

I have come to the conclusion that dance can, but, need not be seen in the context of therapy.

Dance can be the pre-existent freedom that comes before feelings of entrapment by society.

If a child experiences a safe environment within which to express emotions she is likely to become more resilient. Dance is a safe way for children to express emotions.

Attributes are

Ritualistically the parent or teacher could schedule time to dance away conflict and tension. Processes allow space for the child to work through emotions. This ensures that emotions are acknowledged. Perhaps the kids can resolve them. It is likely this resolution will become a part of the emotional memory.

We see evidence in our school for the idea that children are much more settled and quiet after liturgy and other communal sharing sessions.

Maybe teachers or parents have become disconnected from this type of expression due to societal repression. The teacher may just not feel comfortable around this kind of activity. It is in this situation that we start to use the word therapy. Experiential Creative Arts Therapists can help people work through issues in safe situations using a variety of tools, one of which may be dance or movement.

Music/sound /silence too can be a part of this tapestry. Some kids may want to start off in silence trying to scream their dance in mime? Others may use music to match how they feel. After feelings become comfortable they may turn to silent, gentle movement to close the session.

Teachers often turn their classes to writing at this stage. Perhaps the children are now relaxed and in creative flow. Others may teach mathematical pattern or explore space and time.

If you have experience in this area I would love to hear from you.