DANCE THERAPY AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH: PRACTICES, BENEFITS, AND PERCEPTIONS BASED ON EXPERIENCES IN DANCE SCHOOLS IN BRASÍLIA

Resumen

Dance therapy has emerged as a valuable therapeutic approach to promote physical and emotional health through movement. The objective of this study was to analyze dance therapy, exploring its historical trajectory, theoretical foundations, and applications in Brazil, with an emphasis on dance schools as therapeutic environments. The research was conducted through a qualitative bibliographic review involving books, scientific articles, and relevant institutional documents. The results indicated that dance therapy, by integrating body and emotion, demonstrated effectiveness in strengthening subjective expression and well-being, especially in non-clinical contexts such as schools and communities. It was found that dance practices in educational environments not only foster socialization but also significantly contribute to individuals’ overall health. The study highlighted the importance of these expressive practices in coping with stress and anxiety, particularly in contemporary urban settings. The conclusions emphasized the potential of dance therapy as a health-promoting instrument, suggesting that adequate conditions in schools and community spaces can facilitate experiences of human development, showing that dance goes beyond technical learning, functioning as a means of expression and self-care.