What is Dance/Movement Therapy?
The American Dance Therapy Association defines dance/movement therapy as: “the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual.”
Dance therapists are dancers who are trained in both dance therapy and counseling or psychotherapy. They work in a wide variety of settings, such as psychiatric and medical hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, community mental health agencies, schools and special education settings, wellness centers and private practice.
How and where is Dance Therapy being used with children?
Dréa’s Dream pediatric dance therapy program has promoted healing for children with cancer and special needs and is funded by The Andréa Rizzo Foundation. It has also inspired dancers to combine their love of dance with compassion.
Through the Andréa Rizzo Foundation and Dréa’s Dream pediatric dance therapy programming, Dance Therapy programs have been implemented in more than twenty hospitals across the United States including Mattel Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Florida, Riley Hospital for Children in Indiana, and others.
The Andréa Rizzo Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization in the United States that provides grants to exclusively fund dance therapy programming for children with cancer and special needs.
Services are provided by trained Dance/Movement Therapists (RDMT’s and BC-DMT’s) registered with the American Dance Therapy Association. In addition, the Foundation funds expressive movement programs that are directed by dance professionals of the highest caliber.
The Rizzo Foundation works with dance groups across the United States in raising funds to support the Dance Therapy initiatives in the above listed hospitals or in trying to establish Dance Therapy programs in new hospitals across the United States.
How can you help support this worthy cause?
It’s easy to get involved in raising money for this program. Reach out to your local dance organization or contact the Andrea Rizzo Foundation directly to donate money.
Or you can organize a “Dance Across America” event to raise funds to support an existing Dance Therapy program or to help start a program at a new hospital in your area. To reach out and learn more about this program, email your interest to Susan Rizzo at dreasdream@aol.com.
