Exploring present moment awareness through movement: A diary study of participants' experiences of a 10-week free improvised dance intervention

Many forms of physical activity are structured and have instrumental goals, such as losing weight or getting a fit body. Less focus is on exercisers’ experience of bodily, psychological and social aspects of movement that... [ view full abstract ]

Many forms of physical activity are structured and have instrumental goals, such as losing weight or getting a fit body. Less focus is on exercisers’ experience of bodily, psychological and social aspects of movement that takes place in the present moment. Becoming more mindful is related to a number of beneficial outcomes. A physical activity that allows exercisers to explore present moment awareness without stressing instrumental goals, is free improvised dance. In free improvised dance, exercisers move, dance and express themselves to music freely and spontanously. The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of exercisers’ subjective bodily, psychological, and social experiences of dancing. Participants were 10 women (mean age 49.4 years) who were part of a randomized controlled 10-week Free improvised dance intervention. Data were collected via diaries. At the onset of the intervention the participants were given diaries in which they were instructed to document their experiences of the dance sessions. They were specifically instructed to write about the sessions, how they felt in their bodies and about themselves when dancing and afterwards, any reflections they had, and any other experiences of importance. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was used to analyze the diaries. The experience of participating in the dance intervention is presented through nine themes: The group, Freedom of movement, Music and instructor, Insights, Acceptance, Safety, Getting in touch with oneself, Letting go of control and Expectations. By taking part in the Free improvised dance intervention the participants felt they could explore movement and express themselves freely in a safe environment. Many participants also expressed getting insights and new perspectives on themselves and their lives. Practicing free improvised dance, that is spontaneous and focus on the present moment may give the exerciser other experiences that traditional physical activity may not provide.