Since the dawn of humanity, humans have danced almost instinctively to communicate and express feelings that could not be conveyed through language. In addition, it was also a way to connect with the supernatural, to strengthen group cohesion, and to create identity. Dance is not only a form of entertainment, but today we also know all the benefits it brings, both physical and mental. Because of this, specializations have been developed around it, such as dance therapy: the therapeutic use of dance.
Would you like to know more about this method? Then pay close attention to this post, because we’re going to explain everything you need to know about this practice so you can start doing it and feeling its benefits right away.
Dance therapy can be defined as a therapeutic discipline that uses movement to promote the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of individuals. Through various techniques and exercises, it seeks to establish a connection between the body and the mind, allowing individuals to explore, express, and transform their emotions and experiences through movement. It’s very important to be present and fully focused during a dance therapy session, being aware at all times of the music, the space, the movements, and the muscles involved.
Dance therapy can be applied in various contexts, such as mental health, physical rehabilitation, and personal development. It’s based on the premise that movement and body expression have a profound impact on our health and our ability to heal and grow.
There are many benefits of dance therapy and team building, so when combined, they can produce excellent results:
Strengthening teamwork: dancing in groups fosters communication, collaboration, and coordination among participants. Through shared movement, it promotes a sense of unity and builds stronger bonds among team members.
Improving trust: dance requires trust in others and in oneself. By moving together and supporting one another, trust within the team is strengthened, creating an environment of psychological safety.
Stimulating creativity: therapy based on free movement encourages participants to explore different forms of expression and unleash their creativity. This can help foster innovation and generate fresh ideas within the team.
Stress management: dance is a way to release tension and reduce accumulated stress. Through rhythmic and fluid movements, relaxation is promoted, and the emotional well-being of participants is improved. It can also help regulate stress hormones such as cortisol.
Promoting group cohesion: by engaging in a fun and challenging activity together, team members unite under a common goal and strengthen their sense of belonging. This can enhance group cohesion and create a more harmonious and motivating work environment.
Now that you know what dance therapy is and all the benefits it provides — both individually and collectively — we’d like to introduce you to some of the techniques you’ll experience during sessions to encourage you to try this new activity.
Authentic movement: this technique focuses on the individual’s spontaneous and free movement, without restrictions or judgment. Participants explore their own bodily expression, allowing movements to arise naturally from within.
Integration dance: as its name suggests, this technique integrates various styles of dance and movement to encourage the integration of physical, emotional, and mental aspects. Choreographic exercises are used to invite participants to synchronize with each other and create a collective dance. This promotes communication, cooperation, and a sense of unity within the group.
Guided imagery: through verbal or musical guidance, participants are encouraged to imagine and represent different situations or emotions through movement. Metaphors and visualizations are used to stimulate creativity and explore emotional states. This technique allows participants to delve into their inner world and discover new forms of expression.
Ritual dance: ritual dance is based on symbolic movements and gestures that carry meaning beyond the movement itself. Repetitive and ritualistic movement sequences are used to invoke specific intentions, such as celebration, gratitude, or healing. This technique can help participants connect with a sense of transcendence and spirituality through movement.
Contact dance: this technique involves participants physically connecting through touch and body contact. Different forms of nonverbal interaction and communication are explored, fostering trust, empathy, and emotional connection. It can also encourage cooperation, conflict resolution, and strengthen interpersonal relationships within the group.
To begin and progress in any discipline, it’s very important to start from motivation. That’s why, to conclude this post, we’ll reveal the motivational elements that stimulate dance therapy and make it so appealing for improvement at all levels:
Music: more or less intense or melodic, depending on the objectives of the session.
A steady rhythm: one that encourages either dancing or relaxation, depending on the type of session.
Creating a pleasant space: open, obstacle-free, with an ideal temperature and a suitable floor for dancing barefoot.
Choosing a stimulating scent: enveloping and pleasant, awakening new sensations.
Setting creative movement challenges: with each class, so participants’ motivation doesn’t wane.
Encouraging support and unity: among participants.
Now, you’re ready for your first dance therapy session! Keep reading the Educa.Pro blog to discover all the trends and ideas that will help you improve your sense of self-fulfillment and well-being at work.
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