It is an effective outlet for expression and a means of communicating feelings. Dance therapy is based on the belief that the mind and body work in unison. Dance requires the coordinated use of both mind and body. Through dance, people can identify and express their innermost emotions, bringing those feelings to a conscious level. That can cause the individual to experience a sense of renewal, unity, and completeness.
Dance therapists work with both individuals and groups, including entire family units.
Dance therapy frequently is a helpful part of the process of recovery for people with a variety of chronic illnesses. There are benefits in dance therapy for just about anyone. It helps the average, healthy individual stay in good physical shape and enjoy the pleasure of creating rhythmic motions with their bodies. Dance therapy has helped many groups, including psychiatric patients, children with learning disabilities, the elderly, deaf people, the mentally handicapped and people confined to assisted care facilities and nursing homes. It has been used successfully with blind and visually impaired persons.