Dance movement therapy (DMT) is the use of body movement and dance to support many physical and mental functions in the body. Over time, dance therapy has emerged as a specific therapeutic tool. Here we explore how and why dance therapy is a promising approach for improving the health and wellbeing of children. 

What is DMT?

Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a psychotherapeutic tool which uses dance to build a connection between the mind and body and enables healing. DMT is considered to be both an art and a science, combining the intuitive desire and the need to move the physical body, with the expression of emotion as part of our psychological selves. As a healing tool, dance has been used since ancient times across many cultures and communities, but took root as a western therapeutic method in the 1940s.¹

According to the UK Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy (ADMPUK), DMT or dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) is defined as “a relational process in which client/s and therapist engage creatively using body movement and dance to assist the integration of emotional, cognitive, physical, social and spiritual aspects of self”.² Practitioners of DMT can practice with adults and children of all ages and for a range of physical and emotional states.²

Types of DMT for children

There are many types of dance movement therapy for children. Here are a few examples, but this list is not exhaustive and DMT can be adapted for various ages, populations, or situations:

How can DMT help children?

• Decreasing depression and anxiety: Evidence-based research found that DMT can decrease levels of anxiety and depression in populations of various ages, including children⁷
• Promoting executive function: Executive functions refers to a set of mental skills that enable us to self-regulate, plan, pay attention, have memory, and be flexible in our thinking and ability to carry out different tasks. In one study, children in primary school (9-11 years old) took part in an 8-week aerobic dance schedule. Compared to the control group (the group not participating in the program), children who carried out aerobic dance activity showed improvements in executive function, such as cognitive flexibility and working memory⁸
• Distress and pain management: One of the largest studies of paediatric DMT treatment looked at 100 paediatric cancer patients and over 1000 treatments. It found that DMT can be used to treat psychological distress and to help with pain management in children living with cancer⁹
• Support in schools: There is a rising number of schools that are employing dance movement therapists to help children. In a school setting, DMT could be used to help children express thoughts and emotions, find self-soothing strategies, and release stress and tension. DMT in schools could also help children build self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence, and develop communication and social interaction skills⁶
• Children diagnosed with ASD: Studies have shown that DMT can be beneficial for children with ASD, both physically and mentally.¹⁰ The intervention can improve the social and emotional well-being of children with ASD, whether their preferred modes of communication are verbal or non-verbal.¹¹ In one study, robots were used to play music in a dance freeze game. This study showed that children with ASD were more attentive to and engaged with dancing when dancing with the robot.¹² Mixed interventions of DMT with music treatment can also enhance social communication in children with autism, when both the child and parent are involved.¹³ Collectively, research shows that the physical, coordinated and expressive nature of dance can help improve communication skills and social development in autistic children¹⁴
• Pulmonary disease: A systematic review study analysed the literature related to the impact of dance interventions on patients with non-infectious forms of pulmonary disease.¹⁵ They found that for children and adolescents with asthma, dance was the most enjoyable activity. Evidence also suggests that physical and mental health benefits are realised through dance movement in children with disabilities

DMT and the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the world, particularly on the well-being of children and young people. They had to adapt to online schooling and became isolated from loved ones and activities that support their development (such as sports and creative arts). The social distancing restrictions meant access to therapeutic support was also limited during this time. Clinics began to change the therapies they offered, including DMT, to virtual platforms which helped support children and young people during this difficult time.¹⁶

Recent studies, focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown that dancing movement methods and acting created an outlet for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who suffer from behavioural disorders. Dancing and acting helped children improve their self-esteem, self-awareness, and levels of attention. Children also became less aggressive and impulsive, as the dance helped them reach a state of catharsis.¹⁷

FAQ’s

What are the benefits of dance movement therapy for children?

Dance movement therapy (or DMT) can help children have fun, build physical strength and coordination, and build mental flexibility and emotional regulation. Dance movement therapy can help children express and communicate better with others. 

How can dance movement therapy help children learn to regulate emotions?

Dance movement therapy provides an outlet for emotion through physical movement. The physical and mental release of tension, stress, and emotion from dance movements can help with emotional expression and regulation. 

Is dance movement therapy evidence-based?

Research into the benefits of dance movement therapy is emerging, and only limited research has explored and shown the benefits. However, these studies offer promising results for using dance movement therapy to improve physical and mental well-being, as well as communication and social connectedness. 

Why is dance movement therapy good for children with autism?

Dance movement therapy involves specific movement patterns which are purposeful and are linked to sensation and feeling. These movements can help children with ASD develop motor skills, build social engagement and communication skills, and support mental well-being.

Summary

Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic tool which uses body movements and dance to support many physical and mental functions. DMT offered to children can produce many physical and psychological health benefits, from improving mood and reducing anxiety, stress and pain, to enhancing social and communication skills. Further research is necessary to improve our understanding of the precise therapeutic mechanisms of DMT and related dance interventions, as well as how combining DMT with other forms of therapy (such as CBT) or in other settings (such as medical clinics) can be beneficial.