Embodied Social Action: How Dance Movement Therapy Can Support Resistance Against Systems of Oppression

Author

Lauren PopeFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

E. Kellogg, PhD

Abstract

This thesis explores the ways in which the field of dance/movement therapy has been impacted by colonialism through examination of power dynamics within the therapeutic movement relationship and use of body/movement observation and analysis. This literature review examines the historical context of the field of dance/movement therapy while outlining ways that dance/movement therapy practices and approaches can target trauma due to experiences of oppression which can be a contributing factor toward creating social change. Themes of power, privilege, oppression, and cultural identity are explored in a variety of populations and settings to highlight the indiscriminate ways colonialism impacts all people based on identity, marginalization, and hierarchy. With consideration of social change, themes and significant findings within the literature are highlighted and connected to orient toward a direction of future research and growth in the field of dance/movement therapy.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Pope, Lauren, "Embodied Social Action: How Dance Movement Therapy Can Support Resistance Against Systems of Oppression" (2024). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 826.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/826