The many benefits of dance therapy you may not know about

Dance therapy is a creative arts therapy that features the therapeutic use of dance and movement in support of social, emotional, physical, cultural and mental wellbeing (Dance Therapy Association of Australasia, 2023). It’s been practiced professionally in Australia since the 1970s. Having said this, the profession recognises that the healing use of dance and movement originated with First Nations cultures (DTAA, 2023).

A combination of dance styles, choreography, improvised expression and psychological theories are used within dance therapy.

The misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions is that dance therapy is similar to that of a dance class, in which there may be therapeutic benefits, but this is not the case. Dance therapy is grounded in psychological theories, research evidence, and requires training and experience in clinical counselling practices. It aims to support participants to integrate mind and body, while facilitating identification and expression of authentic thoughts and emotions in support of an enhanced quality of life.

Where is dance therapy used?

Dance therapy is used across a wide range of contexts. Commonly, dance therapy is seen in disability support, education, rehabilitation settings, the justice system, family and relationships and residential aged care. Better Place Australia currently provides a group dance and movement therapy program within residential aged care.

Dance is a significant social and cultural (and sometimes professional!) aspect of many individuals’ lives, particularly those living within residential aged care. Dance therapy offers a unique combination of movement, music, social connection, and reminiscence that contributes to overall wellbeing. Moreover, it can provide a safe setting for people to share long-held memories, experiences and emotions in an enjoyable environment that recognises each individual’s contribution to the therapeutic space.

How does dance therapy help?

Research literature demonstrates how dance therapy can provide several outcomes for older adults living in residential aged care. These include improved cognition (Menezes, Drumond, & Shigaeff, 2022), social connection, mood, body awareness, mobility, fitness (Rajagopalan, 2022) and confidence (Capello, 2018). Additionally, dance therapy can provide a sense of fun and enjoyment for older adults within residential aged care (Capello, 2018).

Better Place Australia’s dance therapy specialist

Abigail Jenkins is Better Place Australia’s resident dance therapy specialist. She comes from a dance background, having trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, musical theatre and folk dance. Abigail also has teaching and choreographic experience in education, community, and disability settings. Her study history includes a Bachelor of Psychological Science from La Trobe University and a Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Dance and Movement) from the University of Melbourne. Abigail’s dance therapy experience includes within residential aged care facilities, disability, education and community contexts. Abigail is registered with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

References

Capello, P. (2018). Dance/movement therapy and the older adult client: healing pathways to resilience and community. The 2017 ADTA International Panel. American Journal of Dance Therapy. 40(1).

Dance Therapy Association of Australasia [DTAA]. (2023). What is dance movement therapy? 

Menezes, A. C., Drumond, G., & Shigaeff, N. (2022). Dance therapy and cognitive impairment in older people: a review of clinical data. Dement Neuropsychol, 16(4). 373-383.

Rajagopalan, J. (2022). Dance movement therapy for the elderly: a holistic approach. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 36(2). 201-214.