Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Rhythmically Rooted: Exploring The Role Of Rhythmic Identity In Dance/Movement Therapy, Christina Maerlender

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

Abstract

Historically, in psychology, identity has been defined in Eurocentric, individualist ways. Freud and Erickson’s ideas have influenced how the West views identity development. In recent years, there has been a significant shift in perspectives within psychology, sociology, and philosophy regarding identity development (Caldwell, 2016). Contemporary understandings emphasize identity's dynamic, culturally embedded, and multifaceted nature. Building on the ideas expressed by Caldwell (2016) and the conceptualization of rhythm as an inherently embodied phenomenon, the exploration of identity through rhythm emerges as a means to incorporate the Self's evolving experiences while reflecting the dynamic, culturally embedded, and multifaceted nature of identity. …

Disconnecting From The "Dancer" Identity: Dance/Movement Therapy In Support Of Maintaining The Sense Of Self In Professional Dance, Sandra Ross

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

The culture of the professional dance environment perpetuates an ideal image of the dancer identity. In the pursuit of this ideal, dancers struggle with integrating their own personal identity, creating internal conflict that potentially underlies dance related mental health issues. Dance/movement therapy offers a different therapeutic environment that promotes self-awareness, acceptance, and trust within the body to establish a connection with a deeper sense of self. An examination of the research and documentation of the utilization of dance/movement therapy with dancers suggest it could be beneficial to the issues they face, including maintaining their own sense of identity. This discussion …