Dance / Movement Therapy at Children's Hospital Colorado

Dance/movement therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body to promote health and healing. Physically, dance therapy can provide exercise, improve mobility and muscle coordination, and reduce muscle tension. Emotionally, dance therapy helps improve self-awareness and self-confidence, and provides an outlet for children to communicate feelings.

A patient uses dance as a form of
therapy and communication during
her hospitalization at Children's.

How does dance/movement therapy help kids?

As part of the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program at Children's, dance/movement therapy allows kids to use movement to express positive and negative emotions. This form of therapy is used for patients who have a variety of social, emotional, psychological, cognitive or physical concerns. It is often integrated as a part of the recovery process for kids with chronic illness. Our dance therapists can work with kids in an individual setting, or with an entire family.

Dance/movement therapy at Children's helps kids get better faster by:

• Fostering a physically and emotionally safe, non-judgmental and fun environment
• Respecting individual limitations and achievements
• Facilitating individual expression and communication with other people
• Increasing body awareness, spontaneity, creativity and a healthy self-image
• Reducing chronic pain and body tension

How can my child get started in the program?

Dance/movement therapy could be an integral part of your child's visit to Children's Hospital Colorado. To get started, please contact the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program by calling (720) 777-4360.