Embodied transcendence: spiritual constructs in Bharata Natyam integrated into dance/movement therapy

ABSTRACT

This article aims to examine dance and spirituality within the context of dance/movement therapy (DMT). The author bridges the theoretical basis of Bharata Natyam, a form of ancient south Indian classical dance, with DMT principles to create the theory of embodied transcendence. This theoretical framework uses concepts from Bharata Natyam about the relationship of the mind, body, emotions, and spirit and connects them to the DMT setting. This theory highlights that when guided by a therapist, a client can become witness to their experience, which can lead to transcendence and a fuller understanding of themselves and their circumstances. Further considerations exploring this model in the future and limitations are also included.

KEYWORDS:

• Spirituality
• dance/movement therapy
• transcendence
• embodiment
• somatic

Acknowledgments

The author would like to gratefully acknowledge the following individuals for their generous, unconditional support and guidance in the writing and development of this article: Dr Laia Jorba, Dr Carla Sherrell, Anuradha Naimpally, Sadanand Bajekal, and Soumya N. Ashok.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.