Emotions and flamenco dance: introducing the duende in dance movement therapy

ABSTRACT

Flamenco dance constitutes a vehicle of singular socio-cultural manifestation loaded with emotional elements, which invite its analysis as a potential therapeutic tool. The present research, using a mixed methodology, collected data in three different population groups (volunteer participants, flamenco dancers and dance movement therapists), where the movements of flamenco dance were analysed in relation to the expression of emotions, using the movement qualities of Laban. The feelings and motivation that drove the dancers to use this dance style were also analysed. The results provide information about the relationship between basic flamenco movements and some emotions especially represented by certain movement patterns. The results obtained suggest that flamenco dance could represent a useful instrument for the expression and channelling of emotions in the context of dance movement therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Flamenco dance
• emotions
• dance movement therapy
• movement qualities
• duende
• mixed methods

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article was originally published with errors, which have now been corrected in the online version. Please see Correction (http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17432979.2021.1987028)

Additional information

Notes on contributors

José-Alberto Lopera-Auñón

José-Alberto Lopera Auñónis a teacher of therapeutic pedagogy, psychopedagogue and dance movement therapist, recently a registered member of the Spanish Dance Movement Therapy Association. He works in the public education where he has designed and carried out projects related to dance and movement linked to creativity, emotional development and learning. He has extensive training in dance, especially in flamenco where his interest in research and its therapeutic application lies, as well as its application in teaching-learning processes, creativity and personal growth.

Lola Medina-Orcera

Lola Medina – Orcera is passionate about dance and music. Flamenco dance and percussion have been an important part of her training and development as a person. Throughout her life she has shared experiences of individual and group work in movement with different groups in Spain and other countries such as Argentina, Venezuela and Burkina Faso. Currently she continues her training in psychology and as a professional in Dance Movement Therapy, Education and Social Intervention, she develops different projects with children, adolescents and their families.

Rosa-María Rodríguez-Jiménez

Rosa-María Rodríguez-Jiménez is a full professor and senior researcher. She holds a BSc and a PhD on Physics of the Atmosphere, a degree in Psychology and in Education for Special Needs. She has extensive training in Dance and is Full Registered Member of the Spanish DMT Association and Spanish Delegate of the European DMT Association. She has leaded several research projects focused on experiential learning, development of soft skills in university students, inclusive education, clinical applications of DMT, and dance and embodiment applied to well-being and personal growth in higher education. She participates as a guest lecturer and tutor in national and international DMT trainings.