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The Healing
Power of Dance
By Mike Rodriguez
from Omni Salsa Dance Studio
Introduction:
Throughout the history of mankind, various types
of dance rituals have been utilized for multiple
reasons, including as a way to reach desirable physiological,
mental, emotional, and spiritual states (Mills &
Daniluk, 2002).
In most cultures of the world, dance
and music rituals are intricately related to the
belief system of the group, as well as to the expression
of various human experiences (Hoban, 2000).
Fortunately,
in recent decades a great amount of research has
been conducted to understand the effects of dance
on the overall well-being of human beings (Loomis,
1999).
A vast majority of the research studies have
yielded promising results about the healing power
of dance, particularly in terms of how dance integrates
different aspects of the self (Dubose, 2001).
Research
in this area suggests that dance
has many positive affects on the mind and body (Culligan,
1984).
This mind-body connection is a concept that
many fields, such as the field of medicine and humanities,
have studied in depth for many centuries (Levy,
1992).
In recent years, there has been an awakening
about the importance of the mind, body, and soul
connection, which undoubtedly contributes to a wholistic
understanding of well-being (Evan, 1970).
Benefits:
Professionals in the fields of dance therapy and
psychology have studied the effects of movement
as a therapeutic approach for multiple types of
human experiences. The therapeutic effects of dance
have been exceptionally evident in the following
areas:
1) Reduction of
stress through the increase of endorphins and the
decrease of stress hormones in the body (Gray, 2001).
2) Improvement of
self-image through helping individuals to regain
their sense of control over their physiological,
mental, emotional, and spiritual sensations (Meyer,
1985).
3) Improvement in self-esteem through the process
of redefining their perceptions of self and purpose
(Lemieux, 2001)
4) Improvements
in verbal and non-verbal communication through the
intentional interaction between individuals (Bannon,
1994).
5) Improvements
in the interpersonal interactions between couples
through the encouragement of meaningful connection
and trust (Middelberg, 2001).
6) Improvements
in cardiovascular functioning through the encouragement
of physiological exercise (Cohen & Walco, 1999).
Additionally, research
suggests that dance may be particularly useful for
people who experience symptoms of depression and
anxiety, given the effects that dancing has on regulating
brain chemistry, as well as due to the emotional
catharsis that occurs through the experience movement
and music (Collard, 2003).
Research has suggested
that individuals are more likely to adhere to an
exercise routine when the experience is perceived
as enjoyable and this is often the case with dance
classes (Wininger & Pargman, 2003).
Furthermore,
another advantage of being part of a dance class
is that the environment encourages its members to
socialize, which in itself can serve as an interpersonal
healing experience (Hawkes, 2003). |
© Mike Rodriguez, 2008
Written by Dr. Tania P. Rojas, PSYD
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Our Goal:
As dance instructors for the past 10 years, my brother
and I have made a commitment to the field of dance.
At a personal level, we deeply enjoy the pleasure
that comes for learning and teaching new dance techniques
to our students. The literature research that we
have found about the benefits of dance, has only
confirmed our own personal experience of what it
means to dance and what it means to be a part of
a group of people dedicated to nourishing their
physiological, emotional, mental, and spiritual
needs. Given our strong heritage in Latin rhythms,
we have chosen to specialize in Salsa and other
Caribbean dances. Our studio, Omni Salsa, is committed
to teaching techniques that will empower every individual
with new techniques, as well as with a sense of
belonging to a community of dancers.
We encourage every
individual to try one of our classes, in the form
of individual and/or group lessons, and experience
first hand the multiple benefits of dancing. You
will have an opportunity to learn one of the most
beautiful dances in the world and you will have
an opportunity to reflect on how these new experiences
can enhance your overall sense of well-being by
creating harmony within various aspects of the self.
Dancing promotes an integration of a healthy body,
an alert mind, positive emotions, and an enlightened
spirits.
In addition to individual
and group lessons, our team of professional dancers
is also committed to assisting in the progression
of our dance team. Being in our team provides an
additional benefit besides participating in the
development of new dance routines; it also provides
the possibility of being part of a group of people
interested in developing the skills to work well
in a team and it opens the door to establishing
new meaningful friendships. We also encourage members
to attend to dance socials, where they will have
an opportunity to meet other dancers and continue
the enjoyment of learning from one another.
For more information,
please feel free to contact: Mike Rodriguez at 832-875-2846
or mike@omnisalsa.com. 5615 Richmond Avenue, Suite
150, Houston, TX 77057
We will be happy
to provide you with assistance in determining your
level of training and a plan that suits your lifestyle. |
.
© Mike Rodriguez, 2008
Written by Dr. Tania P. Rojas, PSYD
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References:
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Bannon, V. (1994).
Dance/movement therapy with emotionally disturbed
adolescents. Counseling Psychology 15 (1), 7-14.
Boris, R. (2001). The root of dance therapy: A consideration
of movement, dancing, and verbalization vis-à-vis
dance/movement therapy. Psychoanalytic Inquiry Special
Issue: Messages derived from movement and body experience
during exploratory therapy, 21 (3), 356-367.
Cohen, S. O., & Walco, G. A. (1999). Dance/movement
therapy for children and adolescents with cancer.
Cancer Practice, 7 (1), 34-42.
Collard, P. (2003). Interview with Petra Klein.
Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 16 (1), 9-14.
Culligan, J. T. (1984). Mind-body integration. Journal
of Pastoral Counseling, 19, 33-48.
‘DuBose, L. R. (2001). Dance/movement
treatment perspectives. In Robert-McComb, J. J.:
Eating disorders in women and children: Prevention,
stress management, and treatment, 373- 385.
Evan, B. (1970). The least movement of the body.
Journal of Pastoral Counseling, 5, 28-40.
Gray, A. E. L. (2001). The body remembers: Dance/movement
therapy with an adult survivor of torture. American
Journal of Dance Therapy, 23 (1), 29-43.
Hawkes, L. (2003). The Tango of therapy: A dancing
group. Transactional Analysis Journal, 33 (4), 288-301.
Hoban, S. (2000). Motion and emotion: the dance/movement
therapy experience. Nursing Homes, 49 (11), 33-36.
Lemieux, A. (2001). Contact
movement therapy for clients with eating disorders.
In Robert- McComb, J. J.: Eating disorders in women
and children: Prevention, stress management, and
treatment, 355- 371.
Levy, F. J. (1992). Dance movement therapy: A healing
art. Virginia, U.S.: American Alliance for Health.
Loomis, K. (1999). Road to recovery. Dance teacher,
21 (9), 84-86.
Meyer, S. (1985). Women and conflict in dance therapy.
Women and Therapy, 4 (1), pgs.
Middleberg, C. (2001). Projective identification
in common couple dances. Journal of Marital and
Family Therapy, 27 (3), 341-352.
Mills, L. J., & Daniluk, J.C. (2002). Her body
speaks: the experience of dance therapy for women
survivors of child sexual abuse. Journal of Counseling
and Development, 80, 77-85.
Wininger, S. R., & Pargman,
D. (2003). Assessment of factors associated with
exercise enjoyment. Journal of Music Therapy, XL
(1), 57-73. |
© Mike Rodriguez, 2008
Written by Dr. Tania P. Rojas, PSYD
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