Sally says that through dance she can express feelings that she would not be able to express verbally. In other words the use of movement, rhythm, and repetition to uncover deep feelings, and emotional issues, allowing them to be brought forward and shared. This sharing promotes positive connection between group members, and helps them integrate repressed emotions. It promotes an interaction between mind and body, and encourages the expression of tension, trauma, emotional problems, and stress. The physical exercise also improves flexibility, balance, self-confidence and physical fitness.
Dance therapy uses dance and movement to unlock blocked or repressed memories.
When they are located and expressed the individual no longer needs to move and carry this level of tension and relieve the effects of stress on the body. Dance Therapy is being used in various psychiatric hospitals, clinics, adult day care, community mental health centers, infant developmental centers, correctional facilities, schools and rehabilitation facilities as well as in private practice, and many times is associated with other forms of more 'traditional medicine' and with traditional verbal psycho therapy. Jan recently suffered back injury and is working with Carolee on breathing exercises before going into the rest of the program. Dance in itself has origins that go back to the beginning of history, it may practiced by everyone of all ages and physical abilities. Dance as a therapy depends on the patient or participant.