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Get ready to move and groove on June 13 for National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day! This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the healing power of dance and movement therapy. It was first celebrated in 1982 and has since become an important event for therapists, clients, and supporters alike. Did you know that dance has been used as a form of therapy for centuries? From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have recognized its ability to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. So let's join together in celebrating this unique and impactful form of therapy!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dance Therapy Origins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dance movement therapy began to gain recognition as a distinct therapeutic method during the 1940s by several key pioneers including Marian Chace.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ADTA Formation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) was established as an organization dedicated to the profession of dance/movement therapy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Academic Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dance/movement therapy was recognized as an academic discipline, with formal programs and degrees offered in universities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Advocacy Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dance/movement therapy was officially celebrated as part of National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day for the first time.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Acknowledgement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dance/movement therapy gained international recognition, with associations established in many parts of the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Resolutions</div><div class='timeline-text'>Numerous resolutions were passed across U.S. states officially recognizing dance/movement therapy as an effective method of treatment.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a flash mob</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of dancers and plan a flash mob in a public space to raise awareness for dance/movement therapy. Get creative with your choreography and make sure to include information about the therapy in your performance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a dance workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite a dance therapist to lead a workshop and introduce others to the benefits of dance/movement therapy. This is a great way to educate and engage people in the practice.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create social media campaign</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media to spread the word about dance/movement therapy. Share personal stories, research, and resources to educate others and advocate for the practice.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write to government officials</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write letters or emails to government officials to advocate for the recognition and funding of dance/movement therapy as a legitimate form of therapy. Share your personal experiences and the positive impact it has had on your life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Collaborate with other advocacy groups</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Team up with other organizations that support mental health and wellness to advocate for dance/movement therapy together. This can help amplify your message and reach a wider audience.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for an important form of therapy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day is a way to shine a spotlight on the benefits of dance/movement therapy and spread awareness about this valuable tool for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights the power of movement in healing</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Dance/movement therapy utilizes movement as a way to express and process emotions, providing a safe and effective outlet for individuals to work through their challenges. National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day celebrates the transformative potential of embodied movement.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings together a community of advocates</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this special day, dance/movement therapists, clients, supporters, and other members of the community come together to advocate for the recognition and accessibility of dance/movement therapy. It's a powerful reminder that change can happen when we unite our voices for a common cause.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dance Therapy is Recognized Globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>Movement and dance therapy is practiced globally with associations in more than 30 countries increasing its accessibility to people from diverse cultural backgrounds.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It Improves Mental Health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies show that dance/movement therapy can help reduce depression, anxiety and stress, enhance body image, and improve self-esteem and interpersonal communication.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Helps in physical rehab</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dance therapy isn't just beneficial for mental health. It also helps in physical rehabilitation, using the natural movement of the body to heal and increase mobility.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's beneficial for all ages</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dance/movement therapy is beneficial for all ages - from kids to seniors. It offers therapeutic benefits for young children with developmental delays and older adults coping with dementia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Specialized Training is Required</h3><p class='facts-content'>Being a dance/movement therapist requires specialized training and certification, often involving a master’s degree in dance/movement therapy or a related field, and registered status with the American Dance Therapy Association.</p></div></div>
National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day is celebrated on June 13 every year. In 2024 National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day will occur on a Thursday.
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Jun 13
Tuesday
2024
Jun 13
Thursday
2025
Jun 13
Friday
2026
Jun 13
Saturday
2027
Jun 13
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