Dance Movement as a Way to Help Children Affected by War

• Published in: Journal of physical education, recreation & dance recreation & dance, 2006-05, Vol.77 (5), p.6-12
• Main Authors: Levy, Fran J., Ranjbar, Azita, Dean, Colleen Hearn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Afghanistan; Allied Health Personnel; Children; Children & youth; Childrens Rights; Coping; Creative therapy; Dance; Dance Education; Emotional Problems; Foreign Countries; Grade 5; Haiti; Indonesia; Iraq; Israel; Movement Education; Physical Education; Self Esteem; Terrorism; Therapy; Trauma; Uganda; United States; Violence; War
• ISSN: 0730-3084; 2168-3816
• DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2006.10597870

In the midst of the violence of the 21st century, many children fear that they or someone they know will lose a relative or friend through terrorism. Professionals in dance movement therapy, dance education, and physical education can help children to overcome their fears in order to feel safe and to build self-esteem. This article examines how several nations use dance education and therapy to help children manage the trauma of violence and loss. Unfortunately, dance programs alone cannot guarantee the end of conflict, but they can act as a catalyst for better understanding for future generations. Much can be learned from dance educators and movement therapists who have, by their own sense of humanity and extensive training, bravely explored the concept of healing for children traumatized by war. Dance movement therapists must fulfill the requirements of higher educational institutions and the standards of the American Dance Therapy Association in order to handle challenges that lie ahead. Well-trained dance and physical educators will continue to play a major role in providing an outlet for expression.