Exploring Dance Therapy with Benoît Lesage

To understand the power of dance, I would like to write about a beautiful book. Dance has often been viewed as a universal form of expression—an art form that transcends language, cultures, and barriers.

But can it go beyond creative expression and serve as a therapeutic tool?

Benoît Lesage's "La danse dans le processus thérapeutique" (Dance in the Therapeutic Process) explores exactly this.

The book dives deep into the rich intersection of dance and mental health, demonstrating how movement can facilitate healing, emotional release, and self-discovery.

This summary highlights the key aspects of the book, offering an understanding of how dance can become a valuable tool for well-being and how both therapists and individuals can integrate it into their lives.

Lesage emphasizes that emotions are often stored in the body. Trauma, stress, and unresolved feelings can manifest in physical tension or discomfort. Dance, as discussed in the book, works as a release mechanism.

By moving the body, individuals can begin to process stagnant emotions, allowing them to surface and eventually heal.

One of the key takeaways is how dance bridges the gap between the conscious and subconscious. Movements often arise from feelings we may struggle to articulate verbally. This makes movement therapy particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.

Lesage outlines several ways in which dance can be therapeutic. Within the book, he intertwines academic insights with practical techniques, offering a roadmap for using dance to promote well-being

When words fail, the body speaks.

Lesage describes dance as a “language of the soul.” For individuals who find it difficult to verbalize their experiences, movement can provide an alternative outlet for expression. Dance becomes a safe space where individuals can explore their feelings without fear of judgment or the need for structured dialogue.

Dance helps bring awareness to the sensations in the body and facilitates grounding—a crucial practice for individuals who may feel disconnected or overwhelmed. This embodied awareness fosters a sense of presence and helps individuals reconnect to themselves.

Lesage places a strong emphasis on trauma healing via dance. Trauma often lodges itself in the body in ways that traditional therapy struggles to access. Dance serves as a way to bypass cognitive barriers and work directly with the body. By creating intentional, guided movements, therapists can encourage clients to release stored tension and emotional pain. This, he argues, is crucial for moving past unresolved trauma.

Lesage highlights how dance can help individuals rebuild self-esteem and a sense of identity. The act of exploring movement unlocks creativity and can strengthen an individual’s relationship with their body. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with body image issues or low confidence, as dance offers a way to appreciate what the body can do, rather than how it looks.

Lesage provides essential guidelines for integrating dance into therapeutic settings or personal practices. Whether you’re a therapist, dance facilitator, or simply someone exploring movement for self-growth, these principles create a foundation for effective and meaningful practice.

A supportive environment is key to therapeutic dance. Lesage stresses this repeatedly in the book, stating that participants need to feel both physically and emotionally safe. Therapists or facilitators should focus on creating an atmosphere where individuals can move freely without fear of criticism or discomfort.

Dance as therapy is not about mastering techniques or achieving aesthetic precision. Rather, the goal is to cultivate awareness—awareness of the body, emotions, and inner thoughts. Lesage encourages individuals to engage with their movements without judgment, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.

While free-form movement has its benefits, Lesage advocates for the value of guided techniques. These may include specific exercises to release tension or choreographed sequences designed to stimulate emotional exploration. Skilled facilitators can tailor these techniques to the unique needs of the individual.

Lesage highlights the power of combining dance with other therapeutic approaches such as music, art, or mindfulness practices. For instance, pairing movement with calming music can amplify its effects. Similarly, reflective exercises, such as journaling after a dance session, can help individuals process their experiences more deeply.

Lesage provides compelling examples of how dance therapy can be life-changing for individuals across different demographics. These include children working through behavioral disorders, trauma survivors reclaiming their sense of safety, and individuals with depression discovering renewed joy in life.

Here are the key benefits Lesage emphasizes:

• Reduced Stress: Dance stimulates the release of endorphins, leading to heightened feelings of relaxation and happiness.
• Improved Physical Health: Movement supports flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular health, and overall strength.
• Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Dance helps individuals identify and manage their emotions in healthy ways.
• Greater Social Connection: Participatory dance programs foster a sense of community and promote deeper human connections.
• Building Resilience: The process of engaging in dance as therapy can equip individuals to handle future challenges with greater confidence.

Benoît Lesage's La danse dans le processus thérapeutique offers a revolutionary perspective for anyone eager to explore alternative paths to healing. By combining psychology, movement, and emotional awareness, dance becomes a powerful tool for transformation.

Whether you’re a therapist looking for innovative approaches, a dance enthusiast curious about the deeper meaning of movement, or a mental health advocate seeking new solutions, Lesage’s insights provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.