Biodanza is a technique developed by the Chilean Psychologist Dr Rolando Toro to encourage
psycho-physiological self-regulation by facilitating access to an individual’s abilities and strengths that are already present. Toro believed that humans need to stimulate and harmonise the five experiences that connect the cognitive and biological functions in order to mobilise self-healing, relaxation and joy. Biodanza harnesses low intensity movement, music and group dynamics to facilitate the Vivencias through authentic expression of feelings in the present moment.
Research has shown that Biodanza has significant auto-regulative effects by influencing long-term changes concerning the IgA-Immune-Reaction (Stuck, M. Villegas, A, Bauer, K et al. 2009). A study by Ana Carbonell-Baeza et al (2010) also found Biodanza had positive effects in pain perception, body composition and overall symptoms in female fibromyalgia patients. Overall, initial research on the effects of biodanza have been extremely encouraging and wider research is required to understand the full positive impact the technique could have on a multitude of clinical issues.
Outcomes
People embarking on a consistent programme of weekly group classes have reported the following
outcomes
• greater self confidence and presence
• more joy and happiness in life
• deeper, more real connections with others, nature and oneself
• improvement in psychological wellbeing
• increased awareness of others and empathy
• healing of past trauma (e.g. bereavement, domestic violence)
• enhanced sensitivity and sensuality
• lessening of tensions in the body and mind
• more creative and expressive
Biodanza is a complementary therapy to help improve patients’ wellbeing
The therapy can be run alongside traditional treatments and has shown to positively affect attendees, thus reducing the frequency of GP and hospital visits. The experience is mostly non-verbal, which opens participants' communication and connection through the “language of dance.”