What is Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)?
DMT is defined by the European Association Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT) as ‘the therapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and social integration of the individual.
“It takes courage to stand where we stand simply as we stand”.
Bani Shorter Jungian Analyst ‘Border People’ 1982
As Dance Movement Therapists (DMTs) we are all border-people and we work in liminal spaces, on edges, on borders and with people of all ages and cultures in transition from illness to wellness. The numbers of people crossing inner and outer national borders at this time are quite unprecedented, giving many opportunities for us to rise to these new challenges in skilled, embodied and psychotherapeutically informed ways. This stimulating conference in the heart of Athens, will address both the inner and outer border crossings that we do in ourselves and with others in the course of our therapeutic work on a variety of themes. It will also offer an opportunity to share and celebrate some of the most innovative and important DMT work going on throughout Europe and globally, at a time of profound change and also opportunity.
It is significant that this year’s conference is so close to the migration routes used by refugees and asylum seekers fleeing torture, war and ethnic cleansing. It is also of great significance that ΦΙΛΟΞΕΝΙΑ in traditional Greek culture is about taking action by ‘being a friend to the stranger’. Might this idea also be true of the DMT as friend to the stranger, working with and through trauma, up-rooting, identity-loss and trans-cultural issues in DMT? What are the underlying issues of theory and practice that inform work in this area? What are the outcomes or results? To what extent is this work extending, developing and also challenging us as DMTs? How might further work in this area grow and develop? These questions inform this theme which is designed to open up dialogue and give a platform in our community about issues of major societal concern.
As DMTs we are all border people meaning that we work in liminal spaces, on edges, at borders and with people of all ages and cultures in transition from illness to wellness. This theme takes a seminal work by Jungian Analyst B. Shorter (1982) as its inspiration, which highlighted the importance of a border as not only a place of transition, but also a place where you are investigated by way of your passport or your identity, and that existing permanently on borders is not healthy, as there exists a ‘no man’s land’ in that place. A place that is neither here nor there, that exists paradoxically both in and out of time. We as DMTs work in this territory, in the space between the ‘known’ and the ‘not yet known’, we work in the present moment with the person in the context of the ‘therapeutic relationship’ (Chaiklin & Schmais, 1986). This theme also includes transitions in life, coming to terms with a different sense of who we are becoming, whether caused by illness, by disability, by ageing and/or a mental health problem. In addition, there are also major societal concerns such as oncology, neuro-degeneration (including dementia syndrome and parkinson’s), psychiatric and substance abuse issues and medically unexplained symptoms.
Technology today in video and digital form makes it feasible to cross the border from working in real to virtual/cyberspace. Immediately a question arises about how technology contradicts or not one of the pillars of DMT, which is embodiment: the teaching of, bringing awareness to, assessing body language? Is it a contradiction to use technology in our profession or where does it function and work well and in what particular areas? Importantly, what effect has it produced? We create and use webinars and learning for training, clinical practice and in giving or receiving supervision. The skills knowledge and experience we apply in our work, puts us in a unique position in relation to “psyche” and the ‘therapeutic relationship’ (Chaiklin & Schmais, 1986) whether in real or virtual form. How does the use of cyberspace help us navigate border crossings? What are the ethical issues which arise, and how do we work with them in these liminal and in-between spaces?
References:
Shorter, B (1982) ‘Border People’, The Guild of Pastoral Psychology, Guild Papers, Lecture No: 211
Chaiklin, S, and C. Schmais, eds. (1986) ‘The Chace Approach to Dance Therapy’, in Bernstein, P., ed. Eight Theoretical Approaches in Dance-Movement Therapy, Dubuque, USA: Kendall/Hunt
Beardall, N. et al (2016) Creating the online body: Educating dance/movement therapists using a low-residency model. American Journal of Dance Therapy, 38(2), 407-428
Dr. Rosemarie Samaritter is a registered dance movement therapist and supervisor and an independent researcher. With more than 40 years of clinical experience she has built specific expertise in the application of DMT in complex trauma, personality disorders, neurodiversity and disorders with impaired sense of self.
As one of the pioneers of DMT in the Netherlands, she was involved in the development of the first BA training in dance therapy, now situated at Zuyd
University of Applied Sciences and the initiation of the dance therapy chapter of the Dutch Association of Creative Therapies, the predecessor of the current Dutch Association of Dance Movement Therapists (NVDAT). As an associate professor at Codarts University of the Arts Rotterdam, Rosemarie was involved in the Master ofArts’ DMT curriculum and conducted DMT related research. Currently, her specific research interest is in documenting DMT interventions from first-hand knowledge of DMT practitioners and develop systematic intervention descriptions. For severalyears, Rosemarie participated in the EADMT research chapter. She teaches, presents and publishes regularly on DMT theory, methods and research in the Netherlands and abroad.
Choreographies of Change, independent academic space for DMT:
http://www.choreographiesofchange.org
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7717-5712
Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mljXpAcAAAAJ&hl=en
15 years into European Association of Dance Movement Therapy:
From co-creating a professional identity towards unfolding professional landscapes
With the upcoming conference, we will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the European Association for Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT), at a time when Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is advancing in Europe and globally.
EADMT’s 5th conference revolves around three central themes: VISIBILITY – VITALITY – VISION.
With these themes and a range of related questions, EADMT has opened a broad horizon for participants to reflect on our profession and the various challenges for DMT in the professional field. Contributions to the conference reflect multiple perspectives informed by personal practices, national and international developments, and current societal, economic, and political contexts.
The keynote address will examine the integral role of the EADMT in co-creating a professional identity from various national traditions. The discussion will also explore how the current DMT landscape is relevant to contemporary questions and future directions for the European DMT community.
Over the past 15 years, the EADMT, in collaboration with numerous dedicated colleagues, has evolved into a systemic container for the European DMT community, where members find each other to advance the profession. However, several challenges persist, including:
– enhancing the professional profile of DMT
– articulating and showcasing DMT’s specific contributions to the mental health field
– adapting to changing societal contexts and challenges
– building budgets for professional development and research
The keynote address will explore how our artistic roots, clinical identities, and academic and philosophical foundations can enhance and vitalise our vision and visibility. We will discuss models from organisational aesthetics (Creed et al., 2020) that incorporate concepts such as resonance (Rosa, 2016) and aesthetic unfolding (Barrett, 2000). These models may be well-suited to develop comprehensive frameworks that promote sustainable structures for the European DMT community, helping us stabilise and expand our position within the Creative Arts Therapies (CATs) and in the broader context of health and well-being.
EADMT Board: Vincenzo Puxeddu President, Imke Fiedler Secretary, Shirley Mawer Treasurer, Julia Morozova Communications & PR
Coordinator: Julia Morozova
Members: Amanda Kougioufa (GADT), Marcia Plevin, Dr Richard Coaten & Rosa Maria Rodriguez-Jimenes
Co-ordinator: Rosa Maria Rodriguez-Jimenez, Universidad Europea di Madrid, Rosemarie Samaritter
Greek Association of Dance Therapy (GADT)
GADT Board: Zoe Chatzidaki President, Amanda Kougioufa Vice President, Erasmia Perdiou Treasurer, Tonia Dakou Secretary General, Ioanna Koutiva Deputy Secretary General
Coordinator: Amanda Kougioufa
Members: Tonia Dakou, Eleni Tzikou & Volunteers: Evropi Stavropoulou, Natasa Smyrli,Andrianna Avdi, Afroditi Ntrismpioti,Konstantia Stavrou, Lila Theologia Pitta, Marilena Karetta, Maria- Anna Vlachou,Myrto Vagianu Zarokosta,Stella Kolyvopoulou
Nina Alcalay, Theodora Thatcher, Alexia Margariti, Amanda Kougioufa, Adda Paizi, Elli Kita, Georgia Aroni, Shirley Mawer, Imke Fiedler, Julia Morozova, Vincenzo Puxeddu, Marcia Plevin, Richard Coaten, Rosa Maria Rodriguez, Suzi Tortora
CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS CLOSED
The conference aims to promote communication and diversification of ideas and practice between the Dance Movement Therapy community and other disciplines in order to learn and grow from mutual exchange.
The conference Scientific Committee invites the submission of research papers of excellent quality in all areas related to the sub-themes. Authors with original research are encouraged to submit contributions related to:
We invite DMT researchers and practitioners to present their work and enter into discussion and reflection with colleagues throughout the conference.
Authors are advised to ensure their contribution meets the criteria and guidelines below. All contributions will be submitted to a double-blind review for:
The committee will also take into consideration:
Acceptance for contribution in the programme and assignment to a session are determined solely by the Scientific Committee based on a review of the paper and its subject matter. Decisions of the Scientific Committee are final.
Submitting authors are required to ensure that all listed co-authors have reviewed the abstract, take responsibility for its content and agree with being listed as co-author.
Following the double-blind review, authors of accepted papers will be asked to submit their final version. The Scientific Committee will inform the authors about decision
Please note: by final version is meant – the same proposal, revised version with the names of the authors and corrections recommended by reviewers , NOT the final text of your presentation.
1) Oral Presentation – 20 minutes
The standard format for oral presentations are 20 minutes in length.
2) Poster Presentation – 10 minutes
Poster sessions give participants a chance to network with other delegates who may be interested in similar research or other disciplines.
Content: Title; Author(s); Introduction; Finalities and objectives; Description; Results; Discussion and Conclusions; References
The dimensions of a poster are as standard – 70 x 100 cm or A0 format 84.1 x 118.9 cm
3) Workshop Presentation – 60 to 90 minutes
A workshop is an intensive experiential session lasting 60 to 90 minutes led by an experienced practitioner.
Your proposal should be submitted at with the following:
Personal details (to specify)
Name / Surname / Address / Email / Phone contact / Profession /Place of work or study
Type of contribution
Oral / Poster /Workshop
Title of contribution
Abstract (150 words)
The proposal document in pdf-format should be attached with the following:
The title of contribution. the proposal will undergo double-blind review process, so the names of authors and the names of institutions should NOT be included in this document
Oral and Poster presentation proposals ( max. 800 words) must include: introduction, objectives, methodology, results, conclusions and references (no more than 5 in APA format). Remember that Poster presentation requires a synthesis, so avoid lengthy text and give more importance to graphics, drawings and/or tables to show your results.
Workshop proposals ( max. 800 words) must include: introduction, learning objectives, methodology, structure of the workshop and references. Maximum 5 recent publications or conferences.
Equipment needed: DVD player, amplifier and Iphone cable, Power-point facilities, materials for workshop.
Max. number of participants needed please.
You can register online by filling in one of these registration forms.
Individual Registration Form
Delegate/Deputy Delegate Registration Form
Presenter/Reviewer Registration Form
Student Registration Form
Group Registration Form
GADT Member Registration Form
Individual registration fees
Before June 1, 2018 – 200,00 €
From June 2 to July 30, 2018 – 220,00 €
From July 31, 2018 – 250,00 €
Registration fees for Groups at least 10 pp.(a 10% discount has been applied)
Per person before June 1, 2018 – 180,00 €
Per person from June 2 to July 30, 2018 – 198,00 €
Per person from July 31, 2018 – 225,00 €
Registration fees students (a 15% discount has been applied)
Before June 1, 2018 – 170,00 €
From June 2 to July 30, 2018 – 187,00 €
From July 31, 2018 – 212,00 €
Presenter/reviewer registration fees (a 15% discount has been applied)
Before June 1, 2018 – 170,00 €
From June 2 to July 30, 2018 – 187,00 €
From July 31, 2018 – 212,00 €
Registration fee Members GADT (a 15% discount has been applied)
Before June 1, 2018 – 170,00 €
From June 2, 2018 onwards – 187,00 €
DMT is defined by the European Association Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT) as ‘the therapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and social integration of the individual.