Dance, Movement and Health

This course is designed to give a general introduction into the practice and methods of using dance for health and therapeutic purposes. After completing the course, students are expected to be able to plan and teach dance in a health related context for at least one type of demographic, for example children, youth or adults.

The course has two parts. Part one gives an introduction into methods and perspectives on the significance of dance and movement for human health. The second part will examine different methodological approaches for working with different demographics, with an emphasis on children/youth and the elderly. Both parts will consist of theory as well as practical tools for working with different health challenges. The students will also be given an introduction into the history and methods of dance and movement therapy.

Knowledge:

A candidate who successfully completes DANS1101 will have

• Foundational knowledge of psychological, physical and health challenges typical for selected demographics.
• Knowledge of different methods when working with movement and dance within health- sociocultural and societal perspectives.
• Knowledge of specific approaches/methods within the work of dance and movement therapy: Group therapy (for instance the Chase method, Living music/living dance method), one-to-one work, and knowledge of some central methods for working with autistic children/youth, and those living with eating disorders, PTSD, and dementia)

Skills

A candidate with a completed qualification in DANS1101 will

• Have skills in using fundamental psychologically sound dance and movement principles in a teaching and/or therapeutic situation.
• Be able to evaluate one's own teaching.
• Be able to plan and use appropriate dance and movement for a given demographic.
• Create learning experiences that enhance feelings of mastering, creativity and positive experiences.

General competence

A candidate with a completed qualification in DANS1101 will be able to

• Work goal-oriented, independently and as a team.
• Reflect and discuss different uses of dance and movement in a health context.

Two intensive study weekends (Friday to Sunday), and lectures provided as webinars. A minimum of 80 % attendance at the study weekends is required.