Healthcare Symposium Couples Creativity with Wellness

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The latest advance in Lombardi’s continued efforts to creatively approach wellness, expression, and personal growth within the context of personal illnesses like cancer came on October 31, when the Arts and Humanities Program at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center held its first-ever International Symposium on Dance in Healthcare. Designed for healthcare, dance, and movement professionals, the symposium brought together U.S. and international artists who explored the use of dance therapy for healing and wellness. The day-long event featured innovative programs designed to enhance the quality of life for patients, families, and caregivers.

Speaking to a packed room of healthcare professionals, presenters shared their research, teaching strategies, and best practices for implementing dance therapy programs in hospitals and institutions. Keynote speaker Jenny Elliot is an artist in residence at ArtsCare of Northern Ireland, an organization that makes all forms of art accessible to patients, clients, residents and staff in healthcare settings. Elliot shared stories about the positive impact dance therapy has had on physically disabled persons and her efforts to train medical professionals to use dance and art in their everyday interaction with patients.

Of her work with the physically challenged, Elliot said, “For many of our patients, the effects of dance as a therapy have contributed greatly to a patient's sense of accomplishment, their sense of achievement, and ultimately to their well-being.”

Patients at Lombardi have opportunities to use dance in their therapy and recovery. Lombardi Moves, a dance curriculum designed for cancer patients, can be modified to accommodate special physical needs and encourages stress reduction, muscle toning, and flexibility.

Nancy Morgan, director of the Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, was thrilled by the size and enthusiasm of audience who actively participated in discussions and hands-on demonstrations.

“The participants came from many area hospitals and dance organizations and include counselors, directors, dancers, nurses, chaplains, and former patients. They came here to start a dialogue on how dance can be used to improve healthcare and to meet these experts from across the country and the world.” said Morgan.

According to the American Cancer Society, dance therapy benefits cancer patients by assisting in the development of positive body image and self-esteem, as well as by reducing stress, chronic pain, and body tension. The therapy can also lead to an increase in communication skills and feelings of well being.

Research studies also indicate the arts may assist with symptom management, enhanced coping skills, motivation to complete treatment, and reduced anxiety. Participating in arts programs may also improve staff morale and retention, also contributing to better patient care.

A recent study conducted by Morgan and her colleagues at Lombardi, which appeared in the February 2008 issue of The Oncologist, suggests expressive writing also has similar effects on patients' emotional and physical well-being. The study reported that those who immediately reported changes in thoughts about their illness after writing also reported a better physical quality of life three weeks later.

Presenters at this year’s event included:

• Jenny Elliot, artist in Residence, ArtsCare of Northern Ireland
• Jill Sonke, faculty member, School of Theater and Dance, University of Florida
• Ann Behrends, PT, NCTMB, CFP, Aerial Dance
• Daniel Burkholder, director, choreographer, The Playground
• Jill Roberts, founder, Lombardi Moves, Director, D.A.R.E. P.L.U.S., Dance Program and Youth Advisory Board
• Sarah Clark-Hamel, outreach coordinator, Georgetown University Dance Company
  

By Ellen Badger, excerpted from the GUMC Update