Dance therapy (choreotherapy) – what is it?

Dance therapy, also known as choreotherapy, is an extremely fascinating area of medicine and psychotherapy that uses movement and dance as tools to improve the mental and physical health of patients. In this article, we will take a closer look at this unique form of therapy, its health-promoting effects, applications, techniques and the path to becoming a dance therapist.

Dance – health-promoting effect

Dance is one of the oldest ways of expressing emotions and creativity. It has not only artistic value, but also therapeutic value. The health-promoting effects of dance include:

• Increasing physical performance
• Improved balance and coordination
• Stress reduction and mood improvement
• Strengthening social bonds
• Help in dealing with depression and anxiety

Dance can be a great tool for people suffering from various types of physical conditions, as well as for those who want to improve their mental health.

Dance and movement therapy – when is it used?

Dance therapy is used in a variety of contexts and has a wide range of applications. Here are some examples of when it can be especially helpful:

• Dance therapy can be an effective form of rehabilitation after physical injuries.
• People with eating disorders can use choreotherapy as support in the process of returning to a healthy relationship with food and the body.
• When working with children and adolescents, dance therapy can help develop interpersonal and emotional skills.
• Older people can use dance and movement as a form of physical activity that improves the quality of life.
• Dance therapy can be used to treat mental disorders such as depression, PTSD and anxiety disorders.

Choreotherapy – techniques

Choreotherapy uses various techniques and approaches depending on the needs of patients. Here are some popular techniques used in dance therapy:

• Dance improvisation: Patients are encouraged to express themselves through spontaneous dancing.
• Expression Dance: This form of therapy focuses on expressing emotions through movement.
• Contact dancing: Focuses on interpersonal relationships and non-verbal communication.
• Group dance: Group dance classes can help build social connections and a sense of belonging.
• Meditation dance: Uses movement as a tool to achieve a state of relaxation and calm.

How to become a dance therapist?

If you are interested in becoming a dance therapist, you will need to complete appropriate training and qualifications. This process may vary by country and institution, but typically includes:

• Completion of a course in choreotherapy or a related area.
• Clinical practice under the supervision of an experienced dance therapist.
• Obtaining appropriate certificates and licenses.

Once you have obtained your qualifications, you can work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools or private practice.

Your suggestions

Dance therapy can be an effective form of therapy for both the body and mind. If you are interested, it is worth consulting a dance therapist to find out if this may be the right form of therapy for you. Remember that every person is different, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

Recommended articles

If you would like to learn more about dance therapy, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Choreotherapy as a modern form of therapy” – analysis of the effectiveness of choreotherapy in the treatment of various diseases.
• “Dancing as a tool to improve mental health” – discussion of the health benefits of dancing.
• “The role of a dance therapist in the recovery process” – description of the work and responsibilities of a dance therapist.

Dance therapy is a fascinating field that can provide many health and well-being benefits. If you’re interested, it’s worth exploring the topic further and discovering how dancing can help improve your quality of life.