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The Root of Dance Therapy
Dance is natural, as is movement. People looking for therapy in dance need to open their mind to face the raw art form that is within themselves. Marian Chace, a dance therapist, notes that all patients have an awkwardness and uneasiness about them in the beginning of their dance lives. As time goes on and patients learn to let go of those feelings, they become connected with their mind and body, allowing them to have a bodily awareness and confidence that they did not have before. -
Children With Down Syndrome: Discovering the Joy of Movement
Dance and movement classes can provide children with DS a comfortable environment to relax, learn, and interact with their peers. Dance and the use of music and rhythmn helps them build confidence, balance, coordination, and creative expression. -
Development of reaching and grabbing skills in infants with DS
Learning to reach and eventually grasp objects is an important milestone in every persons' life. A research study was conducted using 7 infants with DS, and 7 infants with typical development (TD). The children were assessed different ages to determine their overall level of motor skill. The results of this study show that children with DS can develop motor skills at the expected age with no delay. However, the children with DS approached situations differently than children with TD. -
The Adapted Dance Process
Dance has always been a way to express emotion and connect with others through movement and music. Dance also addresses psychological, social, and physical needs. In the past, dance was limited to only able-bodied, elite dancers. Today, anyone can take part in dance. Dances often integrate wheelchairs and other assitive devices into their choreography. "Dance allows persons of all abilities to experience a feeling of wholeness and a sense of community." -
Description of motor development of 3-12 month infants with DS...
In this study, nineteen infants with DS and twenty five children with TD were assessed each month from 3-12 months using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). The results of this study show that infants with DS achieve the same motor skills as infants with TD, in the same sequence, just at a slower rate. Typically, infants wiht DS need more time to aquire skills, especially antigravitaional ones. -
To be or not to be - able to dance...
This study investigated children's perceptions of dance ability and disability. Five children with physical disabilities and 9 children without (all between the ages of 6 and 9) were observed before and after their participation in a dance program. Themes emerged from the children's perceptions pre-program were: dance ability equals turning and jumping, and if you can't walk, you can't dance. After the program, the children agreeed that if you can't walk, you can still dance. Dance opens minds. -
Exploring opportunities available and perceived barriers to physical activity... in children... with DS
Thisstudy was conducted to explore physical activiy among children and young adults with DS. Many factors acknowledged, children and young adults with DS typically only engage in fun, unstructured physical activity. The study shows that more independence given to people with DS in adolescence can lead to more physical activity partcipation later in life.