Primitive Is Contemporary in Rhythm Dance Therapy

Reviews the book Primitive Expression and Dance Therapy: When Dancing Heals, by France Schott-Billmann (see record 2015-04290-000). This book traces the foundation of rhythm-based therapies from the biological, psychological and anthropological point of view and discusses in detail how rhythm dance therapy can contribute to general mental and physical health. The author has rigorously studied use of rhythm and dance including its use as a cure in original shamanic practice through contemporary styles such as rock, rap and hip-hop, and its current value as a universal language embodied by rhythm. Schott-Billmann, based in Paris, is a psychoanalyst, dance therapist, and dance researcher with diverse experience as a therapist for individuals with severe emotional and neurological disorders. In this work she focuses on “Primitive Expression” in the fundamental sense of traditional dances, story telling and singing to bring people together in a healing process. The book is directed toward researchers, psychotherapists, and other clinicians who could benefit from in-depth information about artistic and cultural dance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)