The Unfamiliar Dance

One thing I've thought about often as a Dance/Movement Therapist is how challenging movement can be.

As a dancer myself, that might sound like a strange thing to say.

I've spent much of my life moving, both personally and professionally. Movement has been a source of joy, creativity, connection, and self-expression.

Yet some of the most memorable experiences during my DMT training were also some of the most challenging.

I remember feeling uncomfortable moving in ways that felt unfamiliar. Not having a partner in front of me felt vulnerable. At times, I wasn't sure what to do, how to respond, or what might emerge if I followed the invitation. I did not like it.

Those experiences gave me a greater appreciation for the courage it takes to engage in movement exploration.

If I sometimes found it challenging, I could better understand why others might feel hesitant when invited to move.

Over the years, that realization has stayed with me.

It is not about being a dancer or moving in a particular way. It's about curiosity. It's about giving yourself permission to explore without needing to perform, achieve, or get it right.

I don't see my role as teaching someone how to move their body.

I see my role as offering invitations, creating space, and sharing tools.

My hope is that people leave with a greater sense of awareness and a few resources they can continue to use long after our work together ends.

Because, ultimately, the dance belongs to them.