Workshops on Creative Movement and Body Expression

The workshops include a mix of exercises and techniques based on Dance Therapy/Movement Therapy (mirroring, guided imagery, etc.), Physical Theatre/Dance Theatre (open floor movement), Conscious Movement - Improvisation (contact improvisation), and draw elements from other art therapies (Drama Therapy, Visual Art Therapy, Play Therapy) and meditative dance forms (5 Rhythms, Biodanza, Butoh) that focus on breath. Tools from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction approach (a meditation technique originating from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) are also used to increase relaxation and self-focus and explore the impact of thoughts and emotions on bodily sensations and movement. The content of the exercises relates to situations such as breathing, movement, stillness, repetition, touch, the use of objects, symbolism, painting, role play, combinations of all these, and much more. The exercises we use are simple and based on symbolism and imagination, aiming to enhance creativity, sharpen bodily senses, and perceive emotions and images as stirred by memory and body movement. Within a warm and safe framework, participants have the opportunity to start a dialogue with movement, begin to ascribe their own meaning to their movements, channel thoughts, feelings, and desires at a bodily level, and communicate through this and non-verbal communication.