Gypsy or hedgehog? Movement, energy and change in dance therapeutic processes in Dansergia

Abstract

This research paper describes lived experiences in dance therapeutic processes in the case of a woman called Asta. Rather than claiming results from therapeutic processes, the paper enlightens change processes through narratives about both Asta's bodily movement expressions and inner experiences. The paper focuses furthermore on illustrating the possibilities of using body language, movement and an energetic approach to therapy in Asta's case with the dance therapy form Dansergia. Asta moves through a shell of anxiety and into the dance of a gypsy, from an inner experienced black ring and hedgehog to a woman accepting difficult experiences in the past and new possibilities in the present. Asta's processes are analysed and interpreted in an energy-based theoretical framework, and are then reflected upon in terms of impact possibilities in a broader dance therapeutic and research oriented context.

Keywords:

• Dance therapy
• energy
• change processes
• movement levels
• essential movements
• energy patterns

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Lynn Freligh for assistance with the English language.

Notes

Notes

1 This article includes this term that is or is asserted to be a proprietary term or trademark. Its inclusion does not imply it has acquired a non-proprietary or general significance for legal purposes, nor is any other judgement implied concerning its legal status.

2 For ethical reasons, Asta's identifying features have been changed. Her name has been changed and other personal, biographical details which Asta disclosed during her process have also been omitted. Asta has given her written permission to let this part of her story be told.