- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessHealthMental Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 13
- Holiday emoji:
- 🩰
National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day champions the power of movement every June 13. This unique psychotherapy uses dance and bodily expression to foster physical and psychological healing. Learn how this holistic approach connects mind, body, and spirit, and discover ways to support mental wellness through movement.
Want to sponsor National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day? Learn how
Expected National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day Deals
As a cause-driven observance, National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day focuses on education and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) often lead awareness campaigns, encouraging donations and participation in local events. Look for partnerships between ADTA and wellness brands like Lululemon or mindful apps such as Calm, which might offer special content or donation matching programs. Local dance studios, therapy centers, and community health initiatives may host open houses, free workshops, or discounted introductory sessions. We will update this page with confirmed live events and fundraising drives as June 13 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DMTAdvocacyDay. Share stories of how dance/movement therapy has positively impacted lives.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #DMTAdvocacyDay. Join conversations about the benefits of dance/movement therapy and advocate for its wider recognition.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DMTAdvocacyDay. Post short videos or images illustrating the joy and healing power of movement.
National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day Hero
Marian Chace
History of National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day
Dance/movement therapy (D.M.T.) emerged as a field in the 1940s as early innovators, many of whom were accomplished dancers, realized the extensive benefits of using dance and movement as a form of psychotherapy.
The American Dance Therapy Association (A.D.T.A.) defines it as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being.” The idea of dance as therapy is credited to former dance educator and performer Marian Chace, who shifted her focus from dance techniques and education to her students’ individual movement communications and expressions.
After World War II, she was invited to work at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC, where she was tasked with working with withdrawn, shutdown, and mute patients. She also worked with many war veterans. Her reputation for using dance as a means of communication and expression became widely known as she successfully reached nonverbal patients. She managed to break down their barriers through the power of movement, physical interaction, and dance by playing music, interacting with patients by mirroring their movements, establishing eye contact, engaging in physical contact, and waltzing to the rhythmic steps.
An increasing number of therapists worldwide are also recommending this form of therapy as the evidence supporting it continues piling up. These days, it’s common to find many places offering D.M.T. in various locations.
Erica Hornthal later founded National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day in 2019 to create awareness about this form of psychotherapy and allow more people to benefit from it.
National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day timeline
Marian Chace realizes the many benefits of dance and movement as therapy.
The American Dance Therapy Association is formed.
D.M.T. sparks much interest in American therapists, and D.M.T. evolves into its current form
Erica Hornthal establishes National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day to educate more people about its benefits.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day
Local wellness centers, dance studios, and therapy practices can mark National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day by hosting free introductory workshops or open house events. Offer discounted initial consultations for new clients interested in exploring DMT. Partner with local mental health organizations to co-host informational sessions, highlighting the benefits of movement for emotional regulation and stress reduction. Promote the day on social media, sharing testimonials and educational content about the power of dance and movement in healing.
National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day FAQs
When is National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day?
National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day 2026 falls on Saturday, June 13, encouraging everyone to explore the healing power of movement.
What is dance/movement therapy?
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of the individual. It’s a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind and body.
How many people practice dance/movement therapy?
While exact global figures are hard to pinpoint, the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) alone supports thousands of credentialed dance/movement therapists in the U.S., with the field growing internationally.
Is dance/movement therapy effective?
Yes, numerous studies support the efficacy of dance/movement therapy in treating a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. It helps improve body image, self-esteem, and communication skills.
National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day Activities
Attend the Dance Therapy Advocates Summit
Attend the summit, which usually occurs every June. The summit welcomes practitioners and those intrigued by the field and looking to form a network within it.
Dance away
Put on some tunes and dance the night away in the comfort of your own home! Dancing, moving, and any sort of physical activity can greatly uplift your mental state.
Get involved
Enroll in a D.M.T. course near you and learn how to do it from professionals. D.M.T. classes are open to all and can benefit your physical and mental well-being even if you’re not suffering from any ailments.
5 Facts About Dancing That Will Blow Your Mind
Its benefits have been empirically proven
Dancing has been proven to help with stress, anxiety, communication issues, aggression, P.T.S.D., family conflicts, and disordered eating.
It makes you confident
Dancers are often more self-confident and have a more positive mindset.
It’s a gift from the gods
In ancient Greece, dance was seen as a gift from the gods because its two main qualities, order and rhythm, were treated as god-like.
It has physical benefits
D.M.T. can help with chronic pain, childhood obesity, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
It releases happy hormones
Dancing increases our happy hormones, like serotonin and dopamine, making us feel good instantly.
Why We Love National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day
D.M.T. has empirically-backed results
Several clinical studies have proven the benefits of D.M.T. for illnesses like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even childhood obesity because the model has a social aspect. Research has also shown that it helps people manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Movement is great for the body
Dancing or any form of physical activity instantly makes you feel good. D.M.T. combines the benefits of movement with psychological therapeutic models to help patients.
It allows for improved communication
Because of D.M.T’s social and cognitive aspects, it has improved the communication skills of individual patients and interactions between groups. For this reason, D.M.T. is suitable for people of all ages.
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