Coming Alive: Creative Movement as a Personal Coping Strategy on the Path to Healing and Growth

This study interviewed 29 women from various countries and spiritual backgrounds, between the ages of 16 and 67, seeking to better understand how dance/creative movement supports women during difficult life struggles such as trauma from abuse, relationship breakups, community violence and loss of self, and how it acts as a connection to the sacred. Results yielded three overarching themes of empowerment, healing, and a connection to Spirit. The results also give rise to a unique healing element for women through dance. It appears as if dance provides these women with a resiliency to not only survive very difficult circumstances, but to move past them to a place of healing. (Contains 1 table.)