Corporates, students warm up to dance therapy

Preeti Savdekar joined the dance therapy class to solve an existing back problem.

However she realised that apart from obtaining physical strength, she was gaining confidence and her communication skills were improving. Later her self-esteem improved.

Thirty-two year-old entrepreneur S Arvind regularly attended dance and creative movement therapy sessions after work, mainly to exercise. However at the end of class he felt liberated even if he didn’t learn many dance steps.

The creative movement
Dance and movement therapy is a relatively new field and the first of its kind in India and is slowly gaining popularity, however not many are aware of this unique field.

“In a dance therapy session, participants work on movement through guidance of body awareness, whereas ‘dance as therapy’ implies that any dance class has therapeutic value that encourages the mind-body connection,” danseuse Dilshad Patel, founder of Creative Movement said.

She elaborated, “By allowing people to express themselves through movement, dance therapy develops muscle coordination and mobility while improving self-awareness. Dance therapists are responsible for preventive cure by altering movements, retraining muscles and diagnosing movement challenges. They also assist in resolving many physical and psychological issues for those recovering from illnesses, or dealing with physical, emotional or mental challenges.”

Early beginning
Dilshad realised her passion at an early age and was always interested in the performing arts field. “After being exposed to techniques and education in America, I wanted to start a unique organisation where people would understand the difference between the dance and movement therapy and dance as therapy. Knowing that there was no such institute in India that offered an opportunity for self expression and communication. Most focussed on proficiency in formal dance techniques. I decided to start the pioneering organisation in India,” added Dilshad. 

Her institute The Creative Movement was established in 2007. “Giving my clients an opportunity for self expression and to get fit is the primary goal of the sessions. The class does not stress on proficiency in dance, but on self-expression and communication, preventive cure using body as a tool, release of stress and latent emotions prevention,” informed Dilshad. 

She added, “It’s not necessary to be a trained dancer. This class works best for people who enjoy exercising and dancing, while they have the freedom to express themselves without being told what to do. Through the movement, participants are encouraged to unlock blockages in the mind and body.”

Across age groups
Since it is a new field of interest, people have many queries regarding the same. Some ponder whether their lack of acumen in dance would be a disadvantage, or if they would lose weight by attending sessions. People will take time to understand its physical, emotional and cognitive benefits.
Dilshad has conducted dance workshops with actors, prisoners and corporate groups. “Every section I have worked with, has earned me diverse experiences. The confidence, self-esteem, weight loss, happiness they experience gives me ultimate satisfaction,” said Dilshad.  
She added, “The biggest challenge has been creating awareness and getting people to differentiate  between dance therapy and a regular dance class.”

Batches for children will be held till June 18. To enrol call 9769644418