Reconnecting to the feminine: Transformative effects of Sensual Movement and Dance

Dance is documented to produce substantive neurophysiological, psychological and quality-of-life benefits. Adding to that research we document the therapeutic effects of Sensual Movement and Dance in restoring women to a state of wholeness, enhanced self-expression and a general sense of ease. Specifically, we report on the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual findings of an eight-week pilot research study. Informing the design of the pilot are reports over a ten-year period by women participants in a Sensual Movement and Dance programme that indicate consistent growth in self-confidence, reduction in stress, marked decrease in levels of self-consciousness, and improvements in women’s senses of autonomy and overall quality of life. In the pilot study, most participants also reported improvements in emotional regulation and a decrease in anxiety and depression. According to study participants, more than simply talking about sensuality, women want to feel more of it in themselves and in their lives.