The connection of mind and body as well as the impact of physical activity on mental state of the person is defined in the theoretical part of the thesis. It featured dance as an expressive means of non-verbal communication in the therapeutic process in the group and stressed the importance of creativity in dance expression. It has given a historical overview of the role of women in dance and described the therapeutic characteristics of oriental dance. In addition to presenting dance - movement therapy and its effects three methods are defined: "The emerging body language - EBL", "Laban movement analysis - LMA" and "Dance movement therapy as a creative psychotherapy - DMT". The preventive role of group dance movement therapy is explained and the importance and role of the therapist highlighted. A model of body awareness through movement and dance is featured, which includes a group dance - movement therapy in conjunction with oriental dancing.
Empirical research has focused on the participants of oriental dance courses who have decided to dance because they want to relax, improve fitness and flexibility. They are faced with frequent experience of stress, mental and muscular tension, fatigue, difficulties with perception, feeling and acceptance of one's own body and movement, with uncertainty and low levels of self-esteem and body image, with consequent stiffness and restraint in expression and non-verbal communication.
Qualitative research was conducted in two parts: (A) pilot anonymous survey as a basis for modeling awareness of the body through movement and dance, and (B )group interviews and participant observation as a basis for the preparation of guidelines for the central part of the research . In semi-structured interviews with participants in the courses were acquired their opinions, feelings and assessment of the perceived effects of the model. The interview was conducted in three groups with the six participants of courses that were included in the model for one to two years, three years or four years. Through self-reflection participants examined the effects of the model of body awareness through movement and dance, considering the duration of attending courses.
The survey results show that the model of body awareness through movement and dance, which combines dance - movement therapy and oriental dance, has a positive impact on the following elements: (a)body awareness - participants became more relaxed and started to realize several parts of the body and the body as a whole,(b) posture - participants obtained a more correct posture, thus the pain in the body decreased or even disappeared; (c)in the awareness of sensations - after three years of involvement in the model participants became aware of feelings and emotions in dance, began to reflect their feelings and enjoy the free dance; on motion repertoire - participants improved overall physical mobility, used several parts of the body in dance, their movements were more diverse and feminine; in non-verbal communication - a more conscious experience of their non-verbal communication and of others in it. After three years they become confident, with eye contact somewhat reticent, touch in the group became more pleasant and relaxing; quality of life - physical and mental state and social relations have improved, relations have become more genuine, more accessible and more relaxed, have developed a sense of being able to dance well, advanced in order to work out, have fun, they are more satisfied with themselves and are more like themselves, they are generally more full of energy, an increasing number of them appreciate a good company of dance partners and perform with great satisfaction.
The study confirms that the positive changes are more noticeable with years of exercise, particularly in participants, who danced for three years or more. Small positive impact is reflected in the participants who are subject to intense and continuous stress.
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