Diversity and Dance: Exploring the Therapeutic Implications of World Dance

ABSTRACT

This phenomenological study examined the potential power of world dance as a therapeutic tool. The lived experiences of adult females (N = 16) were explored to understand the purposive essence of dance and subsequent benefits to mental health. Findings revealed 15 themes in total: 11 themes highlighted potential benefits of world dance, such as social support and stress relief, and four themes noted potential obstacles to using world dance as a therapeutic tool, such as access or finances. Implications for using world dance within creative counseling practice are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Creativity in counseling
• dance and movement
• diversity
• expressive arts
• mental health
• world dance

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shainna Ali

Shainna Ali is an instructor in the Department of Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Katelyn Cushey

Katelyn Cushey is a student pursuing master’s-level studies in the Department of Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Alina Siddiqui

Alina Siddiqui is a student pursuing master’s-level studies in the Department of Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.