“It Gives Me Purpose”: The Use of Dance with People Experiencing Homelessness

Authors

  • Melissa Knestaut
  • Mary Ann Devine
  • Barbara Verlezza

Keywords:

Dance, homelessness, leisure, self-determination, stress

Abstract

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless (2009), there are approximately 1.35 million people who experience homelessness on any given day. Psycho-social issues that these individuals must address to survive daily vary, but most common are depression, stress, alienation, lack of continuity in their life, and uncertainty of their future. Engagement in leisure is one way to reduce the various psycho-social consequences of homelessness. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to discuss the benefits of a leisure activity, specifically a structured dance class for adults experiencing homelessness. The intent of the class was to decrease stress, increase positive feelings, encourage self-determination, and learn how dance can be used as a coping mechanism. Dance was used as a context for coping with stress and other effects of homelessness. Results indicated that participants experienced an increase in positive effects and a decrease in negative effects after participating in the dance class.

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Published

2010-10-21

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 4 (2010)

Section

Practice Perspective

License

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