Methods of Promoting Gender Development in Young Children Through Developmental Dance Rhythms

Lines of development can be traced back to the very young child. A sequence of motor development was outlined by Judith Kestenberg, the originator of the Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP), which was based on clinical observations of children from birth through six years old. Two stages—the ‘inner-genital phase’ in the 3–4-year-olds, and the ‘outer-genital phase’ common amongst 4–6-year-olds—offer valuable insights about gender and sexual development in both boys and girls. A dance/movement therapist who understands the predictable phases associated with children’s movement, as well as gender development, will be able to promote wellbeing when working with both typically and atypically developing children. The use of developmentally supported rhythms are introduced as a vehicle through which dance/movement therapists and caregivers can attune with young children through dance, thus enhancing wellness.

Embodied Dreams

In this chapter, the author examines somatic practices with dream images from the perspective of Jungian psychology. A registered somatic movement therapist and depth psychologist, the author reflects on her personal experiences of working two somatic dreams. In particular, she describes her application of the Shin Somatics approach to self-reference touch, teaching through touch, and dance improvisation, as she uses it when working with archetypal dreams. She discusses the relationship between the soma, somatic dreams, the chakra system, and archetypal imagery, and defines these terms in connection with the therapeutic exploration of dreams. She says soma includes the sensations that she experiences—while asleep and awake—that she can identify with her eyes closed. The author concludes by sharing how her work with somatic dreams and dancing the chakras has saved her life on more than one occasion, including her passage through a chaotic midlife crisis.