The kinesphere: a systematised literature review

Abstract

Since its introduction by Laban (1926), the idea of kinesphere has been shared and broadened by many professions, adding internal motion to the visible movement, and also voice, smell or the energetic intention. This systematised review summarises the information out of the 499 obtained resources from the adapted SALSA framework on kinesphere: definition, interpretations, psychological and clinical implications, as a basis for future research. The used space of the kinesphere is described to be a psycho-physical process influenced by internal aspects of the person and environmental factors such as context, gender or culture. Its size has been linked to a sense of security and belonging. The article provides examples to work with the kinesphere to gain awareness of one’s boundaries, improve presence and relating, and legitimise one’s own space. This is especially recommended for individuals who have suffered abuse or trauma, as well as patients with anorexia, ASD or depression.

Keywords:

• Kinesphere
• sphere of movement
• personal space
• general space
• movement analysis

Disclosure statement

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

Notes

1 Translated by the authors from the original in Spanish.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Roser Ylla Boix

Roser Ylla Boix is graduated in social work from the University of Girona, 2014 and holds a master’s degree in Dance Movement Therapy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, 2023. She began her career in international cooperation, where she started working with mental health population. She currently works in a community Mental Health Centre as a social worker, offering DMT sessions. In parallel she has pursued her fascination with dance training in different styles, from oriental to flamenco and is a practitioner of Authentic Movement. Her research interests focus on mental health and improving people’s wellbeing through body awareness.

Heidrun Panhofer

Heidrun Panhofer directs the master in Dance Movement Therapy at the Department for Clinical Psychology of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain since 2003. She teaches and supervises at the same programme, as well as internationally. Heidrun is one of the co-founders, former President and supervising member of the Spanish Association of Dance Movement Therapy (ADMTE). She has published extensively on Embodied Perceptional Practices, DMT training, Clinical Supervision, different client populations, Interculturality and Movement Observation and Analysis. Heidrun holds a PhD from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, a master’s degree in Dance Movement Therapy from the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance in London, a diploma in dance from the Scoil Stiofan Naofa in Cork, Ireland and a degree in Special Education from the Pädagogische Hochschule in Graz, Austria.