@article{ART003280731},
author={KO, KYUNG SOON},
title={Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics},
journal={The Korean Journal of Dance Studies},
issn={1226-900X},
year={2025},
volume={102},
number={5},
pages={17-33}
TY - JOUR
AU - KO, KYUNG SOON
TI - Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics
JO - The Korean Journal of Dance Studies
PY - 2025
VL - 102
IS - 5
PB - The Korean Society for Dance Studies
SP - 17
EP - 33
SN - 1226-900X
AB - This study explores the theoretical intersections between dance/movement therapy (DMT) and somatics, focusing on their shared principles of embodied awareness, self-regulation, and integrative healing. Both disciplines regard the body not as a passive object but as a living process through which emotion, cognition, and identity are expressed and transformed. Drawing on key theoretical frameworks such as Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology of the body, Reich’s concept of muscular armor, and contemporary somatic psychology, the paper examines how somatic principles are implicitly embedded in foundational DMT approaches, particularly in the works of Marian Chace and Mary Whitehouse. Furthermore, it discusses the therapeutic relevance of somatic sensitivity in addressing culturally embodied emotions in the Korean context, including Han (恨) and Hwabyeong (火病), through embodied practices like the Salpuri dance. By integrating Western somatic theory with Korean embodied culture, this study highlights the potential of DMT as a culturally responsive modality that bridges bodily experience and psychotherapeutic transformation. The findings suggest that somatic principles—awareness, breath, and authentic movement—constitute a crucial foundation for understanding and expanding the therapeutic processes in dance/movement therapy.
KW - Dance/Movement Therapy;Somatics;Body Awareness;Mirroring; Authentic Movement
DO -
UR -
ER -
KO, KYUNG SOON. (2025). Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics. The Korean Journal of Dance Studies, 102(5), 17-33.
KO, KYUNG SOON. 2025, "Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics", The Korean Journal of Dance Studies, vol.102, no.5 pp.17-33.
KO, KYUNG SOON "Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics" The Korean Journal of Dance Studies 102.5 pp.17-33 (2025) : 17.
KO, KYUNG SOON. Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics. 2025; 102(5), 17-33.
KO, KYUNG SOON. "Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics" The Korean Journal of Dance Studies 102, no.5 (2025) : 17-33.
KO, KYUNG SOON. Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics. The Korean Journal of Dance Studies, 102(5), 17-33.
KO, KYUNG SOON. Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics. The Korean Journal of Dance Studies. 2025; 102(5) 17-33.
KO, KYUNG SOON. Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics. 2025; 102(5), 17-33.
KO, KYUNG SOON. "Exploring the Theoretical Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy and Somatics" The Korean Journal of Dance Studies 102, no.5 (2025) : 17-33.
