Dance therapy has helped relieve stress and anxiety in children throughout the world in times of war. Studies have been done in multiple countries showing how dance therapy has affected its population in adults and children. I will explore various types of dance therapy and talk about three specific countries where dance therapy is actively taking place.
The first of three dance therapy methods that I want to talk about is mirroring. “In mirroring, two [or more] dancers face one another and imitate the other’s movements… The teacher may direct the movement by calling out concepts or basic movements”, states Anne Gilbert (94). This exercise is helpful for students in moving through emotions and external and internal environments. If done in a safe, secure environment the child should be able to work through some of the scared and anxious feelings that have been produced. Through mirroring, the children are able to learn to communicate with one another and create an appreciation for each other (Levy, Ranjbar, and Dean 9).
Creative movement is another type of dance therapy, which helps produce joy and a sense of being free in children. In these exercises, children are able to use their imagination to express different feelings that they are going through or possibly wanting to experience, but haven’t due to tensions in their lives. Children can take pleasure in being physically active, and it is found that creative movement is a fantastic way to disperse nervous energy (Meier 628).
Allowing students to choreograph a new piece of work is a self-esteem builder for the choreographer and the students learning the new dance (Meier 628). Students have a tool to express themselves in a constructive manner. Having other children follow one dancer’s creation for just a few minutes can lead to feelings of self-worth, happiness, and feeling proud. Often adding costumes to this mix can add another level of joy. Ms. Meier states, “dance costumes…seemed an important way to return them to their normal lives, as similar activities occurred before the war” (628).
In completing my research, I found that dance therapy is not only happening in the United States, but many other countries throughout the world. I was drawn to the studies done in Iraq, Israel, and the United States. Currently Iraqi children are exposed to war in their lives, which can produce a large amount of anxiety and suffering. There is an ancient fire dance, that was once outlawed, that is now being performed by men and boys. In this dance, the Iraqis dance over the flames and believe that this frees the soul of sickness and bad thoughts (Prouse 191). They dance to express all types of emotions, especially as a celebration of strength over evil (Levy, Ranjbar, and Dean 7).
Dance therapy is also helping to relieve stress and teach important life lessons to those in Israel. Studies in Israel show that children’s efforts and reactions to cope with traumatic anxiety and helplessness vary depending on their age (Meier 626). In the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company of Israel, there is a special repertory dedicated to children to help teach them life lessons, such as the danger of intolerance and the acceptance of the unusual (Levy, Ranjbar, and Dean 8). These ballets are helpful, because they are a teaching method for life’s lessons. They are also a chance for children to learn dances, feel free to move, and build their self-esteem through dance.
Children have also been affected by war and terrorism right here in the United States. They deal with the fear of losing a loved one and the anxieties that go along with war. Right after 9/11, New York City public schools had the benefit of the program called “American Ballroom Theatre Dancing Classrooms.” The program held a citywide ballroom competition for fifth graders. This gave the students a sense of pride, something to keep their minds off of the attack, and a new understanding of various cultures. Movement and physical education can provide a sense of accomplishment for children who are struggling with feelings of helplessness (Levy, Ranjbar, and Dean 6).
In conclusion, dance therapy helps relieve stress and can be found accomplishing this in many countries throughout the world. I believe that it is important that we put programs in place to help the children who are exposed to war at such early ages. War does affect them and will continue to lead their thoughts and actions throughout their lives. If we do not find ways to help the children, then we will grow up with an era of people that have a high level of post-traumatic stress disorder and are having a hard time leading the country in a peaceful state.
Gilbert, Anne Green. Brain-Compatible Dance Education. Reston: National Dance Association, 2006.
Levy, Fran J., Azita Ranjbar, and Colleen Hearn Dean. “Dance Movement as a Way to Help Children Affected by War.” Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance 77.5 (2006): 6-12.
Meier, Eileen. “Effects of Trauma and War on Children.” Pediatric Nursing 28.6 (2002): 626-629.
Prouse, Anne. Two Birthdays in Baghdad: Finding the Heart of Iraq (E. Griffith, Trans.). Washington, DC: Howells House, 2005.
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hello,
that was very well written. i enjoyed reading it!
despina