Let Me Introduce You to Dance and Movement Therapy!

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I am not going to give you a historical account.This is my own personal story.

I came to this particular world through the insights and experience gained while I was conducting research into traditional religions in Ghana and Nigeria. I became aware of the extraordinary power of African ceremonies involving movement. It was because of this understanding that I trained and have practiced in this field.

My approach is very much influenced by my work as a Healer. A teacher does not necessarily need to be a professional dancer. I am not. But experience of movement, an understanding of its transformative power and expert training are all essential. My own training included Sacred Dance and introductions to various Middle Eastern, Indian, Spanish and Brazilian forms. I also had to undertake supervised psychological and emotional work on myself.

Practical learning experience included work in schools for children with Severe Learning Difficulties, working with Deaf Blind people and with long-stay patients with profound problems in Mental Hospitals. After this training I was accepted as a member of the Association of Dance Therapists International. I am now also a Member of the International Dance Council (CID). Since then I have worked with adults suffering from a range of problems including severe mental ill health, stress, medication dependency, drug addiction and personality problems. I have also held courses for women working on the theme of "Self-Awareness."

What is the aim of this form of therapy? It is a quest for self-revelation through bodily movement. When we tune-in to the deepest well-springs of our Being we move with a grace, rhythm and beauty which is unique to each individual. Through this "tuning-in" process we learn new aspects of ourselves and others without the need for the spoken word. We can attain through this means - calm, peace, spiritual upliftment, self-confidence and greater physical energy for ourselves and others.

There is an enormous difference between physical education and what I do. The only purpose of the former is the exercise session and increased fitness. What I do also has the aspect of physical well-being but also provides an opportunity for emotional reactions and insights.The aim is to bring about a feeling of "wholeness". Various styles such as modern, folk and ballet can be used but the emphasis should not be on technique or performance. What this approach offers is NOT A CURE but is a means of discovery which will bring about greater harmony between MIND-BODY-AND-SPIRIT. Results will be noted over time.Through creating a "safe", accepting, non-judgemental environment the participant can accept or reject an activity, he or she can express problems, unhappinesses, hopes and fears through movement which originates from within themselves.

I do not teach any particular styles, but guide sessions in a way which enables each participant to create his or her own dance. This is so even when the participants have emotional problems or mental ill health. Age is irrelevant. Even if participants have mobility problems or are confined to a wheelchair, it is still possible for them to join in because everyone moves within their own level of energy output. You can be expressive with your fingers or toes - with whatever part of the body capable of response.

Where appropriate I use breathing exercises, vizualisation, relaxation, story-telling, masks, poetry and visual stimulation through pictures, and natural and man-made objects. Everyone is enabled to take part and to have fun, exercise and relaxation at the same time.

My impression is that there is an increasing interest in and understanding of this important form of therapy. The schools where I have held regular sessions (the majority Special Needs) have been very pleased and surprised by the results.

HERE'S WHAT ONE OF THE TEACHERS AT A SCHOOL WHERE I TAUGHT HAS WRITTEN;

"The group taking part in Mrs Cudjoe-Calvocoressi's sessions was of very mixed ability - ranging from wheelchair bound PMLD pupils and children with behaviour difficulties to much more able, mobile pupils. All of them gained a great deal from the sessions, enjoying being involved, with many of them gradually moving well to the music; and improvising for themselves. They looked forward to Mrs Cudjoe-Calvocoressi's visits and these sessions led to further work in art from some of them. They also enjoyed being involved in making a video of the dancing.

I personally, thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the sessions - finding them an enjoyable means of exercising, therapeutic and creative; as well as a good learning experience."

Wendy Sawyers, Head of Unit, Chestnut Lodge, Radstock, England.

Should you have any comments or queries I would be delighted to hear from you.

GUARANTEE

ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT WILL BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED WITHIN SIX WEEKS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE.

IF YOU ORDER NOW I WILL INCLUDE YOU IN MY MENTORING PROGRAMME WHICH WILL ALLOW YOU TO CONTACT ME FOR PERSONAL ADVICE AND YOU WILL ALSO RCEIVE A FREE COPY OF 6 DANCE MOVEMENT LESSON PLANS FREE.



I highly recommend "Dance to Health" by Dzagbe Cudjoe especially for children with disabilities. She easily shows parents how to use simple movements to enjoyable music to help these children form appropriate brain connections. In particular, the vestibular, proprioceptive, visual, and auditory systems are significantly enhanced...... Also, the interaction between the parent and the child and between a group and the child during dance improves social and communication skills. "Dance to Health" is a necessary asset for anyone interested in a fun yet effective therapy for pediatric disabilities.

Valerie L. Richey, MD, ND The Healthy Path, LLCwww.The-Healthy-Path.orgwww.Autism-in-the-Christian-Home.com

Dr Judith Lynne Hanna Senior Research Scholar at the University of Maryland writes: "Cudjoe's manual for parents to help their children through dance is a welcome gift to be cherished and used. Trying Dance Movement Therapy at home or forming groups that meet outside is feasible for any parent. ... experience is not needed. Cudjoe's rich experience and sensitivity in working with children with special needs shines throughout the valuable manual. As she explains the benefits of dance movement therapy and guides the reader, she wisely urges individualizing ... movement activity to fit one's child's own situation".

Judith Lynne Hanna, Ph.D. is author of Dancing for Health: Conquering and Preventing Stress (AltaMira Press,2006)

DANCE TO HEALTH