What I've Learned So Far

Research Reflection

1) Since I've started working on my senior project I've learned that flexibility is really important, physically and mentally speaking. Flexibility adds on to many things such as posture, which is as well very important. As a dance therapist being flexible with the clients you treat and studying their posture is a very important into knowing what type of dance/movement is necessary to take them into a healing path. Not to mention how important it is for them to maintain their physical flexibility thus preventing them from future injuries.

2) Since senior project started my independent component has been very important because now I'm more flexible and I have better dance expression when I perform.

3) What research helped you to do this and how?

One of my most important sources would be my first interview, Mrs Kennedy, because she told me about getting a ballet class and from there I have learned so much about posture, I've also increased my flexibility, and many other techniques.

Another piece of research that helped me a lot was Dr. Hamilton's article "How the Body Dances?" because it talks about the different techniques and the science behind them, why they help and how you can improve yourself.
The last piece of researched that I also think was helpful was this video about the UCLA's Dance Therapy Program, http://youtu.be/O4KkQkv3vKk , This explains what the therapist does in one session and what they look for and the goals they set for the child's health.

Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

 

(1) For my independent study component I'm planning on taking dance classes. 

 

(2) I'm planning to meet the 30 hours of work requirement by taking a ballet class every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30pm and practicing at home under my mothers supervision(to make sure I do the moves correctly) three days a week for one hour. I've been taking the ballet class for a month now; with the studio hours and practice hours I will meet my 30 hour requirement precisely. 

(3) In my EQ I'm trying to find out what is most essential on becoming a dance therapy, how ever I think I want to change my EQ into " What is the most essential skill needed to become a successful dance/movement therapist?". I will have to talk to Mrs. Ortega about this but either way I think ballet is a good way to make sure I have the dance skills because dance is something that both of my questions focus on.

Defining Essential Question

EQ Draft #1

(1) EQ:What is the most important skill of a successful dance/movement therapist?
(2) skill: a particular ability; expertese.
     successful: to be able to help the patients and make them grow with each therapy.
(3) Some possible answers are:

• Previous dance experience
• patience
• understanding of many disorders
• having a background in psychology
• understanding the body and it's movement 

(4) My most important source has been Mrs.Barbara Ligeti, she's a dance therapist, she's told me about many of the children they work with and she's contacted me with my service learner.

Second Interview Questions

  Second Interview (Service Learning) Questions Approval

• How has Movement Therapy been beneficial to the autistic kids?
• How long have you been working in this field of therapy?
• What lead you into this field, and what steps did you have to take?
• What is the most challenging thing about this profession?
• When was the AMT(autism movement therapy) founded? 
• Do you guys treat kids with other disorders ?
• What dance techniques are the most essential as a Dance/Movement Therapist?