Open studio in dance movement therapy: application and enhancement

The Open Studio model (OS) in Art Therapy (AT) has proven to be an empowering community setting, but its particular implications for dance movement therapy (DMT) have yet to be examined. This study examines DMT OS framework and the type of facilitation which would create a safe environment and encourage creative expression through the body. 16 elementary school children participated in six DMT OS meetings. The study materials included session transcripts, comprised of verbal discourse and movement qualities, and transcripts of the facilitators’ discussions before and after the sessions. Three themes emerged: flexible and focussed guidance, planed and spontaneous use of projective accessories and transitions between visual expression and expression in movement. The discussion examines the similarities and differences between the characteristics of AT OS and DMT in order to examine the possibility of an applied model in movement and dance.