The Meaning of Movement

I have been practicing dance/movement therapy for the last 14 years. I have received dance/movement therapy as a client twice. And I continue to feel awe and amazement for the power of movement.

I sometimes forget that the power of movement is not as evident to others. I have been asked to explain what I do more times than I can count and often find it difficult because it is so inherent to who I am and what I do. It is also sometimes difficult to summarize the process in words that is so embodied. So this blog is my attempt to clearly communicate, “What is dance/movement therapy, and why does it work?”

Dance/movement therapy understands the power and meaning of movement. As Martha Graham (a famous dancer/choreographer) said, “Movement never lies. It is a barometer telling the state of the soul’s weather to all who can read it.” We live and experience life through our bodies. Our bodies are ourselves—they are the container of our feelings, the manner in which we experience the world, the way we feel love and connect with others, our vessel of expression. Historically, dance has connected communities, told stories, and created meaning. Dance/movement therapy was born out of this foundation.

Dance/movement therapy understands the bodymind connection and utilizes this relationship to facilitate change. The bodymind connection is mutual and reciprocal: a change in the mind will result in a change in the movement/body, and a change in movement will result in a change in the mind. DMTs (dance/movement therapists) are trained to embody and observe a wide range of movement qualities so we can assess the strengths and struggles of our clients, and provide them with new ways of moving and therefore being. 

We use the creative process to both access and express what may be difficult to name. This is what I like to call the magic of dance/movement therapy. Almost every time I move with or witness a client moving, they discover or unlock something about themselves they did not know before. Our bodies hold the stories of our lives and we can explore those through expressive movement. Sometimes this is as simple as sitting, breathing, and noticing the sensations that arise in our bodies; sometimes this is tuning in to an inner impulse for movement; sometimes this is guided movement that evolves into expressive movement.

Dance/movement therapy uses continuous observation, assessment, relationship and creativity to work toward and reach therapeutic goals. These goals mirror what talk therapy would also address: processing trauma, decreasing anxiety or depression, regulating emotions, or integrating identity changes. We simply move these struggles or themes vs discussing them.

Observation and assessment: as a dance/movement therapist, I am always aware of nonverbal communication—the “barometer” as Martha Graham said. I look for repeated gestures, fidgets, and other movements to give me clues into what the client may be feeling or experiencing, but may not be aware of yet. I also notice what kinds of movements make up the client’s “repertoire” because those give clues into strengths as well as how to help the client become more adaptable.

Relationship: this is the core of any psychotherapy. We have the opportunity to learn who we are, who we are not, and to practice new ways of being in a safe and healthy relationship. In dance/movement therapy, this is often built through mirroring and reflecting the client’s movements as if to say, “I see you, and I accept you.” We also utilize the relationship, once built, to introduce new ways of coping and interacting, and to provide support.

Creativity: this is the big one. This is what sets dance/movement therapy apart from many of the other “somatic” or “embodied” therapies out there. We use the creative process to both access and express what may be difficult to name. This is what I like to call the magic of dance/movement therapy. Creativity helps us to both discover who we are and create new solutions. It helps us to find meaning. And this is where the above all come together. In a session, I may lead my client in movement to develop safety and relationship, notice what they naturally gravitate towards (assessment), and then label or expand upon their natural variations in movement to connect to a theme or metaphor (creativity). Then all of a sudden, they have experienced something new, come in contact with a part of themselves, created a new connection, and moved one step closer to their goal.

Dance/movement therapy addresses the whole self…sees and understands the language of movement and creativity…helps the client learn about, understand, and create new patterns in themselves through body-based, creative interventions to feel more grounded, confident, and stable so that they can move through their struggles into a meaningful and whole life.

Want more information? Check out the American Dance Therapy Association website at www.adta.org. Or send me a message so we can chat about your specific questions! kristine@danceoflifemd.com.