Potential topics and themes which are welcomed for the congress are listed below. Please note that these are only suggestions for presentations and workshops. We look forward to hear from each participant their specific area of interest about their work and study.

Dance Therapy

Dance therapy origins and development

Pioneers and their contributions

Theoretical models

Areas of application

Scientific research

Practical experience and case studies

Professional development and training

Qualification requirements

Body oriented healing methods and practices

Dance therapy history

Merging Initiatives in Dance

Review of various dance forms from a therapeutic perspective (Traditional, contemporary, oriental etc.)

Artistic queries and their therapeutic implications for the artist (Contact improvisation, creative expression etc.)

Psychology

The use of body in psychotherapy

Dance therapy from psychoanalytical perspective

Gestalt and dance therapy

Object relations in dance therapy

Ego states in dance therapy

Mindfulness and dance therapy

Philosophy

Original thoughts about the self

Body and mind in philosophy

Theology

Religion and sacred dances

The position of and approaches to dance in world religions

Anthropology & History

Ancient dance rituals

Shaman, Sufi and other traditions

Dances of primitive and traditional societies

Healing dances

Medicine

Contributions of neuroscience in dance therapy

Contributions of dance therapy in medical settings

 

 

 

This congress aims to provide a Panoramic View to the theory and practice of dance therapy. The major objectives of the congress are:

 

• To provide an overview of all the established approaches and schools in Dance Therapy; with a relevant reference to the origins of the field, scientific research, professional development as well as with a spectrum of currently available methods and services for different populations and clinical settings

 

• To provide a platform in order to support the development of merging initiatives in dance; revisiting existing dance forms  and their contributions in terms of well being and therapy

 

•  To review the past, present and future role of dance in the well being of individuals, groups and societies with the contribution of scholars from other fields such as sociology, history, philosophy, anthropology, medicine and theology; searching for local, population specific as well as universal and common needs of humanity

 

•  Enjoying this panoramic view in the theory and practice of dance therapy, establishing new foundations for mutual cooperation while strengthening currently existing ones

 

And celebrating our gathering through dance, music and dialogue in the heart of this ancient city, cradle of wisdom.

 

Ozlem Lale Kaleli

Dance Therapist

Congress Coordinator