CMTAI Conference: Presentations and Movie Decriptions

Presentation descriptions / Dates / Timings

For More details about the conference please click here

Please note:

There will be 5 parallel sessions running in each time slot in 5 halls (all on the same floor)

Some sessions from Day 1 will be repeated on Day 2

Most sessions will be a combination of theory and experiential components of Dance Movement Therapy.

It is essential for participants with no experience in Movement Therapy to attend the session “Introduction to Dance Movement Therapy” By Tripura Kashyap before attending other sessions. 

DAY 1

November 26^th

9.30 am - 11.15 am

Presentation: “Introduction to Dance Movement Therapy”

Presenter: Tripura Kashyap (Movement therapist/Dance Educator/ Choreographer, Bangalore) www.cmtai.org

The session will focus on the theory and practice of how dance therapy evolved, its principles, objectives, definition, current trends, its scope and application. The session will be especially useful for participants who have not experienced dance therapy before. Theory will be interspersed with movement experiences that reflect personal journeys of participants and movement activities that address therapeutic goals in therapy sessions.  Participants will gain a basic knowledge of ‘what is therapeutic about dance’ and will be better prepared to undergo more complex facets of dance therapy in the conference.

Presentation: “Movement therapy in Prison Settings”

Presenter:  Alokananda Roy (Movement Therapist/Choreographer, Kolkata) www.alokanandaroy.com

While working within the prison system, alongside personal challenges of the inmates, Alokananda also faced several challenges regarding societal perception about the inmates which needed to be addressed. Her dance teaching acted as an instrument for bringing about positive change in the prisoners. The self-realization and self-awareness that movement therapy culminating in public performances brought to inmates, acted as a catalyst for an inner shift and also a shift in how society perceives them. This especially became apparent in people who classified these prisoners as ‘un-reformable criminals’. Bringing a humane touch through movement therapy not only transformed the inner world of the inmates but also their own responses to society’s perception about them. Participants will be lead through a journey of expression and transformation and will also perceive how performance can be used as a powerful tool in such a unique intervention.

Presentation: “Text as a Therapeutic Tool – ‘Unlocking Personal and Cultural Movements through the use of Written Story and Myth”

Presenters: Mike Clarke & Anshuma Kshetrapal (Drama & Movement therapists,UK/Delhi) www.cantidramatherapy.com/www.colorofgreycells.blogspot.com

Whether in the form of poetry, plays, novels or fairy-tales, each of us have experienced the moving, emotional power of a story. As such, written text can provide an invaluable tool for inspiration and exploration in a therapeutic context. In this session, we will explore the use of literature as a method of accessing and processing both personal and cultural psychologies. Through theoretical and experiential means, we will lead participants to consider how a variety of texts from different cultures can be used as the basis for an effective therapeutic intervention.

Presentation: “Introduction to the Chakra system through Belly dancing”. 

Presenters: Anubha Harlalka/Pooja Wadke (Arts-based therapist/Therapeutic Movement Facilitators/Psychologist, Pune) www.artspherepune.com

‘Chakras’ are the wheels of energy through which life flows in and out of our bodies. Though located on the etheric body, they are gateways between the etheric and physical body. To achieve physical-emotional health and harmony we need to work towards maintaining our Chakras in a balanced state. Our body needs movement, without which we become stagnant and so would our Chakras. A Chakra’s functioning depends on the energy (prana) awakened by movement which helps establish and regularise the required flow of energy to and from these Chakras. The session focuses on elements from dance therapy and Belly dance which help bring forth to our awareness emotional blockages. The facilitators will use specific movements that effect each chakra and work towards effectively releasing energy blockages and break energy patterns which hold us back from exploring our full potential.

Presentation: “Therapeutic Drumming: how can drumming help me express myself?”

Presenter: Varun Venkit (Drum circle facilitator, Pune) www.taalinc.net

The facilitator will lead participants through an interactive drumming session (a drum circle) with the theme 'Expression: Self & other'. Varun will also speak about the therapeutic benefits of group drumming in relation to music and movement in general. Furthermore, he will also focus on the potentials of using rhythm with various groups for positive impact and myriad outcomes. Finally, through a group discussion, he will explore the 'expressive' aspects of rhythm and its effects on our lives.

11.15am - 11.30 am (Tea break)

11.35 am - 1.10 pm

Presentation: “Visual Art Therapy in relation to Posture, Movement and Sound”

Presenter: Susan Bullough Khare (Visual Art Therapist, UK /Pune) www.facebook.com/therapeuticvalueofart

Art Therapists use visual art as a processing tool in their work, but could visual art by itself lead us into movement and eventually towards an exploration of ourselves through sound and posture? This session combines visual art practice with an exploration of one’s physical, mental and spiritual health. We will begin with a collage experience, meant for us to understand what constitutes the elusive ‘me’, in mind, body and spirit. We shall then work towards setting a positive intention for ourselves, a realistic goal to work towards and the use of posture and sound to share and concretize this goal. The session embodies a journey through the creative realms of arts therapies combined, to discover ways of explaining and demonstrating our personal expressions and intentions.

Presentation: “Working with feelings of Shame and Guilt in a Forensic Population”

Presenter: Nalini Prakash (Dance Movement Therapist, USA) http://www.spillingink.org/

Nalini will share her positive and impactful experiences of working with chronically mentally ill individuals at St Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington DC where dance/movement therapy originated in the able hands of pioneer Marian Chace.  Nalini will present case studies from her own group and individual sessions that facilitated here. Participants will gain knowledge about dance/movement therapy interventions that aim to target specific goals of individual clients. They will also explore elements of classical Indian dance such as mudras, hand gestures and the ‘Rasas’ or emotions, which provide creative and multicultural, yet universal resources in a creative tool box—to enhance the individual’s self-expression through creating images.

Presentation: “Dance Therapy for developing ‘body attitude’ and ‘body image’ for people with Autism and Pervasive developmental disorders”. 

Presenter: Mitul Sengupta (Movement therapist/Psychologist, Kolkata) www.dancetherapymitulsengupta.webs.com

The body-mind inter-link is an essential ingredient in any Movement Therapy Session. Whether it is a ‘normal’ or ‘conflicted’ body the aim is also to strengthen the connectivity between movement and mind in order to express oneself better in the realms of socialization and communication. ‘Body Attitude’ is how one presents oneself, socially, emotionally or through mutual communication. ‘Body Image’ is how one perceives one’s physical self, thoughts and feelings that result from that perception. These affects one’s overall image about one self. The session emphasises how Dance/Movement therapy in general can link these to concepts like Body Alignment, Centrality, Balance, Sensation, Images and Feelings. Dr Mitul will also address specifically how Dance for people with disabilities further connects these concepts to techniques like sensory integration, Socialization, Communication and Flexibility.

Presentation: “Expressive Arts Therapy – The Power of Personal Creative Expression”

Presenter: Bhaktiveda Dhaul Taragi (Expressive Arts Therapist, USA / Mumbai). www.praanah.in

The session will explore and present how different artistic modalities (dance, drama, music, visual art) can be combined and used in Expressive Arts Therapy sessions for healing. Since the umbrella term of ‘Expressive Arts therapy’ has been coined in USA, the uses, benefits and scope of this work in regards to the Indian context will be addressed; The origins of this work along with cultural differences will be highlighted. The human body – its physical form encapsulated by an energy field which also be explored in relation to using the arts in therapy. Bhaktiveda will share her experiences through case studies in her work. This session will be beneficial for special educators, therapists, teachers and for individuals interested in using the arts for self-awareness, growth and healing.

Presentation: “Expressive Arts Therapy in an urban clinical practice”

Presenter:  Aditi Kaul (Art & Movement Therapist/Counselling Psychologist, Delhi) https://www.facebook.com/aditi.kaul.3

Application of Art-based therapy and Psychotherapy has traditionally seen the utilization of a singular approach in working with clients. In practice, we recognize the need for comprehensive styles which integrate the various methodologies and approaches in the field of Arts and Psychology. This particularly gets highlighted in India, while working within a hospital setup where clients come with an expectation of instant tangible change in their emotional and psychological states. The session will focus on the idea of the integrated approach of the arts and how this has shown significant results and effectiveness for clients of all age groups with a wide ranging severity of issues. The session will also examine the use of culturally appropriate music, imagery, writing prompts as well as words, sounds, symbols and movement patterns that are inspired by our cultural roots in the arts. Aditi will help participants perceive how one can facilitate a shift for clients with spectrum of difficulties ranging from hospitalization anxiety, trauma and abuse, childhood disorders and psychiatric adult disorders.

1.15 pm to 2.15 pm (Lunch break)

2.20 pm – 3.20 pm

Film Screenings:  Dance and Expressive Arts therapies

Room 1 Topic:  Eating Disorders and DMT

Films:  Katie's Story (YouTube video which we will download) - Personal story of a girl named Katie who overcame her eating disorders through DMT (Children's Hospital Colorado) - approx 6 min

Expressing Disorder: DMT episode - Eating disorder stories and use of DMT, by Dance/Movement Therapist Susan Kleinman - approx 20 min  

Room 2 Topic:  Breast Cancer and DMT

Films:  Moving Toward Health - Authentic movement with breast cancer survivors by Sandy Dibbell-Hope - approx 20 min

DMT for Women with Breast Cancer - Use of DMT in 12-week support group for women living with breast cancer at California Pacific Medical Center's Institute of Health and Healing by Ilene Serlin - approx 11 min

3.25 pm to 4.35 pm

Presentation: “Responsibility – The power you own through Body and Movement”

Presenter:  Sheeja Shaju (Leadership Coach/Therapeutic Movement Facilitator, Pune) www.generativeleadership.in

This session will enable you to explore the term ‘Responsibility’ in a new light and see the world ‘you’ create for yourselves in your own body-verbal language and to also see the power you possess to change your future just by looking into your own life through this new dimension.  Participants will also explore through movement how it feels in their bodies to take responsibility and take charge of every moment of their lives. Sheeja will lead participants to also see the possible pitfalls of not using this power so readily available for you and understand the relation between ‘Blame’ and ‘Responsibility’ including what are the emotions linked to the body of Blame and Responsibility.

Presentation: “Therapeutic wonders of Bharatanatyam Nritya”

Presenter: Suchitra Date (Performer/Movement Therapist, Pune) www.nrityaprerana.com

Bharatnatyam is an ideal dance form that enhances the functioning power of the mind-body continuum. Suchitra will talk about her own conceptualisation of “Nritya Therapy’ and examine how Bharatanatyam contributes to our overall stamina building, power of our lungs, muscles, reflexes, enhanced abilities of our eyes, limbs and body movements which in turn help us nurture a healthier self. The session will also address the therapeutic effects of Nritya with children with ADD/ADHD, learning difficulties – Dyslexia /Dysgraphia /Dyscalculia, Children in Autism spectrum, Children with Equinus difficulties and Post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). She will talk, demonstrate and lead participants to perceive how dance can improve functioning skills and build coping mechanisms in each of us. She will touch upon her dance sessions which have been highly effective for adults with Arthritis and also her experiences of facilitating sessions for elderly population affected with Parkinsons and Alzheimers.

Presentation: “Role of Body-based therapies in India”

Presenter: Ritushree (Developmental therapist/Expressive Arts Therapist USA/ Delhi) www.ritushree.com

In a country where the concept of "intervention" is still questioned, finding a suitable therapeutic model is a struggle for many therapists. In a post-colonial society like India, the narratives around psychotherapy, healing, or intervention is poorly understood. The dominant western paradigms (Humanism, Psychodynamic, Behaviourism, Medical models) and the overwhelming indigenous paradigms (Ayurveda, religious rituals, Yoga, or Vedic astrology) are often in a tug of war with each other. Arts and body-based therapies seem to find a great blend to bring an individual closer to the concept of intervention, and helps one take ownership of the healing process. This session will address the dominant western and indigenous paradigms of intervention, and will also highlight the role of arts/body based therapies in the current Indian context. 

Presentation: “Exploring the Inner Child: Meaning of Movement Metaphors in Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP)”

Presenter: Rashi Bijlani (Dance Movement Psychotherapist) www.cdmp.in

‘Movement metaphor’ is a symbol that is encapsulated in each person’s movement or posture. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what ‘Movement Metaphors’ are and how they are utilised as the central tool in DMP. Movement metaphors can become great mediators in the DMP process-work with clients. Using this as a point of initiation, the session will explore how many of us embody the many metaphors that we experience frequently in our lives. When we perceive and experience movement metaphors carefully, they provide an intriguing insight into each individual’s behaviour patterns, beliefs, values and relationships. We shall seek to discover through movement exploration how movement metaphors can be seen as a form of nonverbal communication and individual’s state of being.

Presentation: “Cultural Consciousness - Elements of Gujarati Folk Dance and Dance Therapy”

Presenter: Devika Mehta (Dance Movement Psychotherapist, UK/Mumbai) www.synchronyindia.com

The underlying belief in most ancient societies is that, the mind and body must be incorporated into ritual systems in order to facilitate healing, transformation and empowerment of individuals as well as groups. The session will look at the working model of trans-cultural competence to explore questions like ‘How can we, while respecting our individual cultural fabric, acknowledge and use wisely our power to collectively, co-create the world in which we live?’ ‘How do we hold both: body and no body; culture and no culture?’ ‘How can we acknowledge our cultural prejudices and limitations as a professional?’ Alongside these ideas, the session will also offer an exploration and develop an insight experientially into how the Gujarati folk dances and their rituals, form a layer for the facilitator’s and participants multi-cultural ‘selves’. Psychological perspectives will also get incorporated to provide an additional framework for a deeper understanding of these rituals.

4.35 pm – 4.50 pm (Tea break)

4.55 pm – 6.40 pm

Presentation: "Voice, Movement & Individuality – Theory & Practice”

Presenter: Bettina Wenzel (Dance movement therapist, Germany) 
https://wenzeldancetherapy.wordpress.com/

All over the world, Bettina observes a development towards conformism, conservative ideologies, fascism and surveillance taking place. She views dance therapy, voice work leading to individual expression as an act of resistance. Any collective can be productive and free if constituted by individuals who feel responsible for their actions and choices they make. Following a leader blindly brings the loss of individuality and therefore loss of freedom to express feelings and thoughts. Dance-therapy and voice work - as an individual research - enables oneself to develop one’s own psychic capacities and personal abilities, to make informed choices. The voice is an extremely individual dimension and by its ability to carry all emotions, it reflects the body-mind inter-link; Focusing on one’s own voice within a therapeutic context is precious. The voice indicates where one’s personal capacities might be hidden, to be discovered and shared with the surroundings and others.

Presentation: “Body beyond boundaries: The role of culture in movement”

Presenter: Akanksha Mishra (Dance movement therapist, USA/Delhi). https://in.linkedin.com/in/akanksha-mishra-86b63763

The session will discuss culture as an inner experience that is embodied, rather than an intangible, abstraction. The focus will be on understanding and experiencing the non-verbal expression of culture. Activities will encourage participants to introspect about how their own culture shapes their body movement vocabulary. It will aim to provide an understanding of how culture, ethnicity, gender etc. play a deeper role, not only in effecting the way we move our bodies, but also influence our perceptions of others’ movements. Participants will discuss and embody concepts of body knowledge and prejudice and also its implications as observers of movement in the field of dance/movement therapy.  “Culture is embodied in the way people walk, sit, stand, eat, wash, breathe, and otherwise comport their bodies as they go through daily life” (Cohen & Leung, 2009).

Presentation: “Creative-therapeutic potential in the dance of ‘Seraikella Chhau’ & other Indian dances”  

Presenter:  Asha Ponikiewska (Expressive Arts Therapist, Bangalore) https://ashaponikiewska.wordpress.com/

While talking about Creative Connections, Natalie Rogers draws our attention to the fact that creative arts are intertwined and thus therapeutic process can become a journey flowing from one form of art to the other. Similarly, in the context of multiple forms of Indian dance it is unfair to discuss their kinesthetic characteristics while omitting their other intrinsic elements such as costume, music, story line etc.; The session will explore how it is through the combination of all these elements that each of these dance forms gains its own individual identity. Asha will also attempt to examine how some aspects of the Seraikella Chhau dance can be used in various therapeutic contexts while working with groups or individuals in different age groups.

Presentation: ‘Community Theatre: A Performance & Processes of Using Drama within Communities’.

Presenter: Hina Siddiqui (Theatre maker & Creative Entrepreneur, Pune) https://foodfortheatre.wordpress.com/

In June 2016, we launched ‘Project Beard’ – a community theatre initiative that had a simple objective: Creation of performance work through conversation between individuals who identify as LGBTQIA and performers. However, this project quickly evolved into a record of stories around identity, gender, sex and sexuality. It also became a way to amplify ‘queer’ voices. This presentation is a collection of the lessons learned while working on Project Beard. It delves into the role of theatre in community-building. It also looks at how process-driven work within a community can lead to the creation of alternative narratives for queer individuals in a community. As part of the sharing, we will showcase one of the very first performances to emerge from the process - ‘Coming Out’.

Presentation: “Piece Work: The Healing Movement of Art Making”

Presenter:  Eliza Homer (Expressive Arts Therapist/Licensed counsellor, Mexico/USA) http://elizahomer.wixsite.com/art-therapy

In modern art therapy, textile techniques are recognized as relevant interventions when examined through the Neurosequential lens. Throughout history and across cultures, fabric and needlework have been symbolic means to identify ethnic group and social status.  Attendees will create a fabric collage as a demonstration of an effective, researched tool for trauma resolution through the lens of neurodevelopmental and attachment theory. They will gain an understanding of the key principles of neurodevelopment, while experiencing first-hand the potential of the fabric medium.  This experiential workshop will focus on basic hand sewing techniques and movement in art-making as the storyteller for healing.  No previous experience with art making or hand-sewing needed.

Day 2

November 27^th 

9.00 am – 10.45 am

Presentation: “Mindfulness and Presence for the Practitioner”

Presenter: Sandy Dias (Mindfulness practitioner/Psychotherapist, Pune) www.justbeingcenter.com

Mindfulness, as an observation tool helps us inquire into each moment by moment phenomena and also guides the practitioner to be fully present to the client’s state of being. When mindfulness is brought into our therapeutic practice, it also involves self-care and self-inquiry for the practitioner. What is Mindful awareness? How can it be applied to the work of DMT practitioners and taken into individual client and group work processes? Mindfulness enhances the quality of presence in the practitioner and this deepens the depth of any process that one is engaged in. Mindfulness also leads to a greater embodiment experience for the practitioner and an introspective awareness of the body and mind. The session will provide an experiential understanding of mindfulness for practitioners, in the therapeutic relationship and the application in client and group work processes.

Presentation: “Approaches to Anatomy through Movement”. 

Presenter:  Rajyashree Ramamurthi (Dance Educator/Choreographer, UK/Pune) www.artspherepune.com

Building awareness in terms of human anatomy enriches our movement practice whether we are dance therapists, teachers or facilitators. Often, though anatomy can seem rather dry and can in fact be taught in a dis-embodied manner. In this session, we will look at more dynamic approaches that incorporate sensing, writing, drawing and last but not least moving/dancing as ways to attain a deeper understanding of the inner landscape of our bodies through physically experiencing the basics of anatomy and physiology.

Presentation: “Exploring the Inner Child: Meaning of Movement Metaphors in Dance Movement Psychotherapy”

Presenter: Rashi Bijlani (Dance Movement Psychotherapist) www.cdmp.in

‘Movement metaphor’ is a symbol that is encapsulated in each person’s movement or posture. Participants will gain an understanding of what ‘Movement Metaphors’ are and how they are utilised as the central tool in DMP. Movement metaphors can become great mediators in the DMP process-work with clients. Using this as a point of initiation, the session will explore how many of us embody the many metaphors that we experience frequently in our lives. When we perceive and experience movement metaphors carefully, they provide an intriguing insight into each individual’s behaviour patterns, beliefs, values and relationships. We shall seek to discover through movement exploration how movement metaphors can be seen as a form of nonverbal communication and individual’s state of being.

Presentation: “Cultural Consciousness: Elements of Gujarati Folk Dance and Dance Therapy”

Presenter: Devika Mehta (Dance Movement Psychotherapist, UK/Mumbai) www.synchronyindia.com

The underlying belief in most ancient societies is that, the mind and body must be incorporated into ritual systems in order to facilitate healing, transformation and empowerment of individuals as well as groups. The session will look at the working model of trans-cultural competence to explore questions like ‘How can we, while respecting our individual cultural fabric, acknowledge and use wisely our power to collectively, co-create the world in which we live?’ ‘How do we hold both: body and no body; culture and no culture?’ ‘How can we acknowledge our cultural prejudices and limitations as a professional?’ Alongside these ideas, the session will also offer an exploration and develop an insight experientially into how the Gujarati folk dances and their rituals, form a layer for the facilitator’s and participants multi-cultural ‘selves’. Psychological perspectives will also get incorporated to provide an additional framework for a deeper understanding of these rituals.

Presentation: “Recovery-Oriented Dance/Movement Therapy” 

Presenter: Talia Bendel-Rozow (Dance & Expressive Arts Therapist, Israel) https://taliabrozow.wordpress.com

The session aims to define and explore the meaning of recovery through movement and collaborative activities. This Recovery model is used in several countries to help people who are coping with severe mental illness to lead productive lives despite problems and issues caused by their illness. The approach emphasizes building concepts such as hope, empowerment, choice, and personal strengths in people and can be used with any population. Participants will learn and gain a deeper understanding about the recovery approach through an interactive experience.

10.50 am to 11.35 am

Presentation: “Challenges & Opportunities of Working with Adolescent Girls in a Government Home”

Presenter: Reetu Jain (Therapeutic Movement Facilitator/Performer) www.cmtai.org

In this session Reetu will focus on her six-month therapeutic movement intervention with adolescent girls at a government home in New Delhi, as a part of the Save the Children, Creative Arts Therapy pilot project. From the logistical challenges of working within a government home to the participative challenges of working with adolescent girls from varied traumatic backgrounds, Reetu will also share case studies illustrating the positive outcomes achieved. The Q&A part of the presentation will encourage discussion on the lessons learned and how such challenges can be addressed to full-fill the identified objectives for anyone working within similar contexts.

Presentation: “Creating body and spatial awareness for the visually impaired”

Presenter:  Nishtha Agarwal (Therapeutic Movement Facilitator/Psychologist, Delhi). www.cmtai.org

Nishtha has developed creative techniques to foster ‘Body’ and ‘Spatial’ awareness using Movement therapy and has studied its impact on a visually impaired group. This session will focus on the work done with a group of blind children at a school in Delhi over a 6-month period and will highlight movement activities and other art modalities that were used with the children. It will throw some light upon the bodily as well as emotional reactions leading to specific consequences, such as enhancement of body and spatial awareness, communication, emotional understanding and expression that this therapy brought in the lives of these children.

Presentation: “A Communication between Visual Art and Movement”

Presenter: Sam Bullough (Visual artist, UK/Pune) http://anddontforgetart.deviantart.com

Sam Bullough’s visual art is a unique exploration of bridging dance/movement and visual art work. The paintings which Sam will unveil at his session are his response to two dancers who were invited to develop individual movement pieces to portray how his previous work touched them, on diverse levels. In his session, Sam will address this on-going project through experiential activities in which participants will be able to perceive the link between movement and visual art. Through discussion and visual portrayal, he will also share the project’s evolution thus far.

Presentation: “Suryanamaskar and Vinyasa yoga: Concept of movement in yoga”

Presenter: Dr. Anand Godse (Psychotherapist, Pune) www.taalinc.net

The session will focus on the practice of ‘Suryanamaskar’, its various types being practiced and the concept of Vinyasa Yoga. Yoga is a widely discussed, multidimensional field with a vast body of knowledge. It has much to offer in relation to therapeutic movement. The visible changes apparent on a bodily level also have a lot going on at the background. These links between body movement during Suryanamaskar and its possible implications on behavioural levels - short and long term will be addressed. Dr.Godse will also lead participants to explore the idea of 'time', 'space' and 'rhythm' in connection with the Suryanamaskar.  The elements of practice of Suryanamaskar will help us to ponder upon the idea of stability during movement and movement during stability.

Presentation: “Right brain, the unconscious and uncovering metaphorical meaning through movement”

Presenter: Dr. Megha Deuskar (Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychology, Fergusson College, Pune) www.eurhythm.blogspot.in

Recent advances in Neuroscience have begun to draw parallels between the functioning of the right brain hemisphere and Freud's conception of the unconscious mind. The holistic processing of the right brain as against the linear processing of the left brain, the tendency to gain knowledge through acquaintance rather than through verbal processing and the capacity of the right hemisphere to be creative liken it to the concept of the unconscious mind. Analytically speaking some of our most deep seated distresses and emotional material from the remote past lay buried in the unconscious mind. This wealth of deeper meaning can be accessed through dreams or through art. Dance can be particularly helpful in uncovering meaning. Movement activates the right brain and allows clients to express themselves symbolically. This session elaborates on some such metaphorical meanings derived through movement related exercises through various techniques in dance movement therapy. It also aims to highlight the importance of theoretical soundness for the dance movement therapist.

11.35 am – 11.50 am (Tea break)

11.55 am – 1.25 pm

Presentation: “And so I Dance! Dance for Parkinson’s”.

Presenter: Hrishikesh Pawar (Dance Pedagogue/Choreographer, Pune) www.hrishikeshpawar.com

Hrishikesh, as an artist has always had a keen interest in exploring the magical powers of "Dance" and its effect on our society. He feels that dance should also be built on philosophical values offered by life. It is with this bent of mind that Hrishikesh addresses in his session the "Dance for Parkinson Project" and looks at the uplifting nature of creative-therapeutic movements. He will present how along with his dancers he was able to lead patients with Parkinson’s disease to experience the magic of gentle movement. Dance for Parkinson's has created a rehabilitation program from the perspective of contemporary dance. It begins with basic body preparatory exercises, followed by Kathak bols, Mudras and Dance Choreography. The session will also address the structure of the ‘Dance for Parkinson's’ module which combines voice and movement exercises to help patients regain control over their lost body movement and speech. 

Presentation: “Transition Flow – A pure dance experience”

Presenter: Sumeet Nagdev (Choreographer/Performer, Mumbai) www.snda.in

Our bodies continuously make a variety of shapes, postures and expressions while moving through different levels of space. Dance as a physical medium connects these shapes through the interplay of our imagination and creativity. This session explores the idea of ‘Transition flow’ which connect movement sequences and is also designed to combine various levels and types of movements in to one synchronous wave. The class begins with basic warm ups and stretches followed by Release technique, Fall and Recover technique and also the Least force technique. The session will eventually help participants find comfort with one’s own movement patterns and expand their individual movement repertoire.

Presentation: “Text as a Therapeutic Tool – ‘Unlocking Personal and Cultural Movements Through the Use of Written Story and Myth”

Presenters: Mike Clarke & Anshuma Kshetrapal (Drama & Movement therapists,UK/Delhi) www.cantidramatherapy.com/www.colorofgreycells.blogspot.com

Whether in the form of poetry, plays, novels or fairy-tales, each of us have experienced the moving, emotional power of a story. As such, written text can provide an invaluable tool for inspiration and exploration in a therapeutic context. In this session, we will explore the use of literature as a method of accessing and processing both personal and cultural psychologies. Through theoretical and experiential means, we will lead participants to consider how a variety of texts from different cultures can be used as the basis for an effective therapeutic intervention.

Presentation: “Lost in translation: Drama therapy in a conflict zone”. 

Presenter: Mahnoor Yar Khan (Drama Therapist, Palestine/Hyderabad) https://www.facebook.com/Gaza51India/

Gaza, is an area under siege and in constant conflict - Caught in the destruction and devastation of their land and its people by three major Israeli invasions (2008/09, 2012, 2014) of the Gaza Strip, Gazans do not see a future for themselves anymore.  It is about this context that Mahnoor will present her session and explore via and interactive and experiential process the idea of ‘Space’ – its physical, mental and emotional facets, through movement and words. This will be preceded by a short history of the occupation alongside the 9-year siege of the Gaza Strip and its impact especially on young people with whom she has practiced her drama therapy work over the past 25 years. 

Presentation: “Body beyond boundaries: The role of culture in movement”

Presenter: Akanksha Mishra (Dance movement therapist, USA/Delhi). https://in.linkedin.com/in/akanksha-mishra-86b63763

The session will discuss culture as an inner experience that is embodied, rather than an intangible, abstraction. The focus will be on understanding and experiencing the non-verbal expression of culture. Activities will encourage participants to introspect about how their own culture shapes their body movement vocabulary. It will aim to provide a deeper understanding of how culture, ethnicity, gender etc. play a deeper role, not only in effecting the way we move our bodies, but also influence our perceptions of others’ movements. Participants will discuss and embody concepts of body knowledge and prejudice and also its implications as observers of movement in the field of dance/movement therapy.  “Culture is embodied in the way people walk, sit, stand, eat, wash, breathe, and otherwise comport their bodies as they go through daily life” (Cohen & Leung, 2009).

1.30 pm – 2.30 pm (Lunch break)

2.35 pm – 4.05 pm

Presentation: “Dance/movement therapy for children with Special needs”

Presenter: Ritushree (Developmental therapist/Expressive Arts Therapist (R-DMT), USA / Delhi) www.ritushree.com

The session focuses on healing processes of creative expression and therapeutic change in dance/movement therapy. Through a multi-modal approach of working with children with special needs, the session will explore unpredictable challenges, tools & techniques, and the processes involved in DMT. Dance and expressive arts therapies meet the needs of the children, and provide them with a socio-emotional containment where maximum learning can take place. The session will focus on building an emotional containment for children through Expressive therapies; formulating therapeutic goals /intentions, healing processes involved in therapeutic work, and explore the magical effects of the arts on children. 

Presentation: Application of Movement therapy for students and teachers in Educational settings

Presenter: Swara Patel (Dance Educator/Therapeutic movement facilitator, Mumbai) www.agilekids.in

Children are born with creativity and have the gift of naturally expressing themselves and learning through movement. Yet, they are discouraged from movement during class hours in schools thus creating a split within the body. Teaching methods adopted (sitting and learning-reading, writing, art, craft) further adds to this split. Lessons and Physical education are extremely structured and teachers themselves are under pressure to teach a large number of students. The session will include movement activities and dance pedagogy theory which explains how body movement can play a crucial role in reducing the body split by bringing in un-structured movement experiences to aid learning in class rooms. It also addresses the fact that educators and parents need to understand the importance of movement in children’s development and how it acts as therapy for teachers themselves to cope with the stress in schools.

Presentation: "Voice, Movement & Individuality – Theory & Practice”

Presenter: Bettina Wenzel (Dance movement therapist, Germany) 
https://wenzeldancetherapy.wordpress.com/

All over the world, Bettina observes a development towards conformism, conservative ideologies, fascism and surveillance taking place. She views dance therapy and voice work leading to individual expressions acts of resistance. Any collective can be productive and free if constituted by individuals who feel responsible for their actions and choices they make. Following a leader blindly brings the loss of individuality and therefore loss of freedom to express feelings and thoughts. Dance-therapy and voice work - enables oneself to develop one’s own psychic capacities and personal abilities, to make informed choices. The voice is an extremely individual dimension and by its ability to carry all emotions, it reflects the body-mind inter-link; Focusing on one’s own voice within a therapeutic context is precious. The voice indicates where one’s personal capacities might be hidden, to be discovered and shared with our environment and others.

Presentation: “Creative-therapeutic potential in the dance of Seraikella Chhau’ & other Indian dances”  

Presenter:  Asha Ponikiewska (Expressive Arts Therapist, Bangalore) https://ashaponikiewska.wordpress.com/

While talking about Creative Connections, Natalie Rogers draws our attention to the fact that creative arts are intertwined and thus therapeutic process can become a journey flowing from one form of art to the other. Similarly, in the context of multiple forms of Indian dance it is unfair to discuss their kinesthetic characteristics while omitting their other intrinsic elements such as costume, music, story line etc.; The session will explore how it is through the combination of all these elements that each of these dance forms gains its own individual identity. Asha will also attempt to examine how some aspects of the Seraikella Chhau dance can be used in various therapeutic contexts while working with groups or individuals in different age groups.

Presentation: “Working with Feelings of Shame and Guilt in a Forensic Population”

Presenter: Nalini Prakash (Dance Movement Therapist, USA) http://www.spillingink.org/

Nalini will share her positive and impactful experiences of working with chronically mentally ill individuals at St Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington DC where dance/movement therapy originated in the able hands of pioneer Marian Chace.  Nalini will present case studies from her own group and individual sessions that facilitated here. Participants will gain knowledge about dance/movement therapy interventions that aim to target specific goals of individual clients. They will also explore elements of classical Indian dance such as mudras, hand gestures and the ‘Rasas’ or emotions, which provide creative and multicultural, yet universal resources in a creative tool box—to enhance the individual’s self-expression through creating images.