Choreotherapy - Dance and Movement Therapy

Date of the last update: 14.06.2024

In a world of noise, rush, anxiety and tension, it is extremely difficult to stay calm. As a result, we are often tired and overstimulated. This makes us more prone to physical and emotional illness. That is why it is worth taking an interest in choreotherapy, a method that integrates dance and movement, mind and spirit. A powerful tool for expressing one’s emotions while getting rid of tension, pain, stress and even traumas!

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The origins of choreotherapy

Dance and Movement Therapy is a relatively new field of psychotherapy. Rudolf von Laban, a Hungarian dancer, is considered to be the father of choreotherapy. Dance as a form of therapy though is not a new phenomenon. It is said the first steps in dance therapy were taken by the dance teacher Marian Chace, who introduced dance to relieve emotions among mentally ill children around 1920 in Washington DC.

In Poland, choreotherapy was developed by Zofia Aleszko and today there exist many institutions and associations, such as the Polish Institute of Dance and Movement Psychotherapy in Warsaw.

What is choreotherapy?

Choreotherapy is active work with the body through dance and movement accompanied by music, often using colourful scarves, candles and instruments. It has its origins in both contemporary dance and ancient shamanic and tribal dances. It is a type of dance expression that is not based on specific figures or steps, but on creative and spontaneous dance as an expression of the inner self. In dance therapy, it is important to open up to oneself and one’s needs, to increase self-awareness, to accept the body and to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.

The secret of choreotherapy lies in the combination of music and movement, which affects both body and soul. Music evokes emotion and stimulates action, while dance in response to sound and rhythm stimulates the flow of energy through the body, promoting physical health and enhancing wellbeing. Through focused movement and breathing, dance therapy helps to release tension, reduce stress and build peace and inner harmony. Bringing body and soul together, music and movement are an integral part of the therapeutic process, bringing relief, vitality and balance.

Benefits of choreotherapy

Reduction of stress and anxiety: Regular practice of choreotherapy helps to reduce stress levels and anxiety by releasing tension stored in the body and improving awareness of one’s own breathing.
Improved emotional well-being: By expressing themselves through movement and dance, people often experience improved emotional wellbeing, greater confidence and a sense of fulfilment.
Integration of body and mind: Choreotherapy helps people become more aware of the connection between body and mind, which can lead to better mental and physical balance.
Treating trauma: Dance and movement therapy can be an effective tool in treating trauma by helping to express and process difficult emotions and experiences through movement.
Improving physical fitness: In addition to the psychological benefits, choreotherapy helps to improve physical fitness, increasing flexibility, muscle strength and coordination.

Who is choreotherapy for?

Choreotherapy is a versatile form of therapy that is recommended and effective for people struggling with a variety of physical and emotional problems.

People with depression and anxiety – Helps to reduce psychological symptoms and improve mood.
People with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – For people with PTSD, dance helps to process trauma by expressing emotions through movement, leading to a reduction in mental tension and better management of emotions.
People with Eating Disorders – Here it can be used as a complementary therapy for people with eating disorders, helping them to work on body awareness and improve their relationship with their bodies.
People with physical trauma issues – For those following physical trauma, including chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia or back pain, choreotherapy is a form of therapy to support rehabilitation, improving physical fitness and reducing pain.
Those seeking a solution to well-being and interpersonal relationship problems – Especially for anyone who wants to improve their well-being, increase self-confidence and improve relationships with others through self-expression and exploration of their body.

Summary

Choreotherapy delights in its versatility, affecting both mind and soul, integrating them and restoring harmony. By working with the body and using music, dance therapy helps to better understand oneself and express emotions. Its magical power lies in combining dance expression with therapeutic goals, bringing relief and balance. Music and movement are key elements in this process, acting on mental and physical health.