Dance Movement Therapy

Dance is one of the highest forms of human expression. It has been an art form used all over the world to express emotions, Concepts and ideas. Dance Movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic usage of this art form to assist in the development of behaviours, emotions, and general movement patterns, which has been found to be extremely effective for children with Autism.

Dance movement therapy uses movements to enhance motor skills, emotions and behaviours. People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are mostly not aware of their mind and body. Dance movement therapy uses bodily sensations to stimulate and re-establish the mind-body connection, which in turn helps them to achieve a land of harmony.

It is the functional application of varied forms of dance by the usage of a group of muscles to bring certain effects to modify the child’s behaviour or alter emotion.

• Autism.
• Mental retardation.
• Deaf and hearing impaired.
• Eating disorders.

• Promotes psychotherapeutic usage of body movements.
• Clients will learn to express ideas, thoughts and feelings through their motor activity.
• Enhances interaction and communication patterns.
• Relieves tension, stress, anxiety and worries.
• Improves self-confidence and contentment.
• Serves as a sort of enjoyment and entertainment.
• Exhibits talents and abilities.
• Channelizes the emotional experiences into the expression of body movements.

Four different types of art therapies will be practised at Miracle.
Recently, dance movement therapy made its mark as a viable complimentary treatment option for people with Autism. Dance movement therapy enhances emotions, behaviours and motor skills. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder are mostly less or not aware of their body and mind. Dance movement therapy uses bodily sensations to stimulate and re-establish the mind-body connection, which in turn helps them to return to harmony. Many studies and research have supported the positive effects of dance movement therapy on people with autism.

• Improved attention and concentration.
• It gives them the liberty to be expressive of their emotions, using movements.
• It helps them enhance their social interactions and leads to the formation of relationships when placed in groups.
• They can learn different patterns of movements required for daily activities.
• A dance therapist can help develop vocabulary skills by imitating the repetitive movements the person engages in.
• Group sessions are best for developing Communication and social skills.
• Choreographed sequences can help in enhancing memory and recapitulation skills.
• Improved body image.
• It helps in developing body awareness and promotes general well-being.
• It helps to strengthen fine motor skills.
• Different planes of motion during therapy helps to stimulate verbal communication skills.
• They learn to develop empathy.
• It helps them to learn adaption to different situations.
• It provides a platform for children with ASD to build upon their social skills, which helps them to further understand the emotions and feelings of other people.