DANCE AS A THERAPEUTIC TOOL: ENHANCING EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS

Background: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic practice gaining attention in the educational field for its potential to enhance emotional and social development. It has been used in the management of disorders affecting students, such as stress and anxiety, to enhance self-expression, self-regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Objectives: This study aims to explore the role of dance as a therapeutic tool in supporting emotional well-being, analyze its role on social relationships, and evaluate the effectiveness of dance therapy programs in educational settings. Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted, utilizing a systematic literature review (SLR). Research articles were screened based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a focus on peer-reviewed studies published after 2017. A thematic analysis of the selected papers was conducted to extract key themes related to emotional well-being, social well-being, and the effectiveness of dance therapy in educational settings. Results: The findings highlighted advantages of dance therapy, decreased stress, increased emotional awareness, and enhanced ability to interact with others. Also, that dance therapy helps enhance the management of emotions and the development of empathy and social skills among students. Additionally, an acknowledgment of the need for companionship skills, enabling facilitators to effectively implement the studies. Conclusion: Thus, dance therapy may be an effective means of improving learners’ emotional and social development within the context of schooling. The research suggests that increased efforts in the quantitative tracking of medications should be followed by further studies on the formulation of best practices and the identification of hurdles to their utilization.