A Thematic Analysis Exploring Cultural Elements of Dance Movement Therapy in India

India has a long, rich, and diverse culture in the arts, and dance and movement is one of the vital elements. This impacts the practice of dance movement therapy (DMT) in India. Research done on DMT mostly highlights the Western perspective. There is insufficient research on DMT in the Indian context. This study is an attempt to understand the cultural elements that are included by dance movement therapists (DMTh) in their DMT practice in India.

This study followed a qualitative design underpinned by a constructivist paradigm. To explore the cultural influences the narratives of 24 dance movement therapists (having an experience of 3 years and more) practicing in India were taken into account. Data was collected through semi structured interviews. Using thematic analysis the interview transcripts were analysed.

Analysis of interviews identified major themes such as dance being part of the therapists upbringing (emotional, social, cognitive, and physical), DMT and Mental Health (bridging the gap between training and practice and belief in the therapeutic value of dance), DMT as a therapeutic modality (creative exploration and movement improvisation, non-judgemental and safe space, less stigma, rewarding and fulfilling), cultural influences in DMT (influences from various dance forms and movements, cultural influences in the multimodal approach, influences from the clients) and DMT- a melting pot of East and the West.

The findings indicate that DMThs in India draw inspiration from Indian classical dance forms, regional folk dances, Bollywood dance, and yoga. The DMThs keep in mind their multimodal approach which includes the use of props, music, and mythology are also culturally relevant. This study has implications for DMThs and mental health professionals for better understanding and incorporating cultural elements within the therapeutic space of DMT in India.