Hence, the way in which we are moving does not only affects how others understand our non-verbal expressions (expressive function: Darwin, 1872). One of the main assumptions of embodiment research is that of bidirectionality between subjective experience (for example, an emotion) and the body’s sensations and movements contributing to this experience ( Wallbott, 1982, 1990 Riskind, 1984 Zajonc and Markus, 1984 Neumann and Strack, 2000). The term embodiment refers to theories and research in which the body and movement play an integral part and central role in our thinking, feeling, perception, and action ( Laird, 1984 Strack et al., 1988 Merleau-Ponty, 2003 Winkielman et al., 2015). Embodiment is a concept that matches the theory and practice of DMT.
![move ielements move ielements](https://i.stack.imgur.com/k4Jzx.png)
Exploration of specific elements of movement and vitalizing movement experiences can provide the client with the possibility to connect to embodied sources of joy and well-being, and have an effect on the clients’ self-esteem, improve well-being, and increase positive emotional experiences ( Koch et al., 2007, 2019 Gendlin, 2012 Gordon, 2014).ĭance movement therapy and its clinical practice builds its theoretical background by relating and contributing to existing theoretical traditions that are in accord with DMT principles. An important aim of DMT includes the support of the client to unfold and articulate inner sensations, impulses, and expression of emotional content. It uses movement as locus for expression of emotions, to foster emotional resiliency and as an agent of change within the dance therapeutic context ( Fuchs and Koch, 2014 Acolin, 2016 Tsachor and Shafir, 2017 Payne et al., 2019). Dance movement therapy (DMT) prioritizes dance and movement as an emotional experience.
![move ielements move ielements](http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/u72ZnNzcPHI/maxresdefault.jpg)
The expression of emotions through body movement is one of our earliest ways of communication, preceding spoken language, and the use of movement to identify, address, and support change in emotional state has since long been recognized in the research literature ( Darwin, 1872 Fuchs and Koch, 2014 Shafir, 2016). The results show the impact of specific full-body movement elements on the emotional state and the support outcome of DMT on emotion regulation. An additional finding of this study indicated that facilitating expressed emotion through movement elements that are not associated with happiness can enhance feelings such as empowerment, pride, and determination, which are experienced as part of positive affect. Results showed that a specific movement sequence based on movement elements associated with happiness executed with a DMTh can significantly enhance the corresponding affective state. The effects on individuals were measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and visual analog scales. Participants were only informed about the movements and not the feelings that may be provoked by these movements. Five male and 20 female participants (mean age = 20.72) participated in three conditions: a solo executed movement sequence, a movement sequence executed with a DMTh who attuned and mirrored the movements, and a solo executed movement sequence not associated with feelings of happiness. This quantitative study was conducted in a within-subject design. To achieve a more realistic reflection of DMT practice, the study incorporated the interpersonal dimension between the dance movement therapist (DMTh) and the client, and the impact of this interbodily feedback on the emotional state of the client.
![move ielements move ielements](https://www.theconstructsim.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Gazebo-QA-004-How-to-create-a-Planar-Moving-Element-in-Gazebo-ROS.png)
#MOVE IELEMENTS SERIES#
A specific sequence consisting of movement elements that recent studies have related to the feeling of happiness was created and used in a series of conditions. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of executing a unique set of kinetic movement elements on an individual mover’s experience of happiness. It has been demonstrated that moving in a specific way can evoke and regulate related emotions.
![move ielements move ielements](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tlOkl6o9m60/TOu1lQ6Oy9I/AAAAAAAAAAU/7E5dELWkukg/s1600/Moving+Elements.jpg)