Expressive Movement: The Transformative Power of Dance for Veterans

As they settle into the lounge of the Domiciliary (DOM), a Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP), the air buzzes with anticipation and camaraderie.  

Some greet their friends with warm smiles and hearty "hellos" while others quietly take a seat as class is about to begin.

“There is no wrong way to express yourself behind these doors," says co-facilitator of DFV and Los Angeles-based choreographer, performer, and community activist Christine Suarez.  

This treatment model called Dance for Veterans (DFV) isn’t about teaching steps; according to Suarez, it’s about expression. Participants have the opportunity to release their emotions through body movement without getting caught up in needing to perform the moves perfectly.   

This is the first and only VA DFV program and it’s even sparking interest in different parts of the world, such as the Australian Defense Force, which modeled their Ballet for Veterans program after DFV.  

Why is DFV so special? According to a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology when dance is approached therapeutically, it can have several health-related benefits. This cutting-edge program is a form of Dance/Movement Therapy, 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. DFV at West LA VA uses dance/movement expressive techniques that involve creativity, journaling, mindfulness, and relaxation to build social cohesion to treat Veterans with mental health disorders.   

How did this dance model come about? In August 2010, West LA VA Drs. Robert Rubin, former chief of psychiatry, and Donna Ames, former director of the West LA VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), contracted three dance educators to develop a dance program for Veterans receiving treatment within mental health programs. Christine Suarez was one of those educators and still works with the program today. They refer to this DFV program as the “Express Yourself” group.  

In 2016 a pilot study, “Let’s Dance: A Holistic Approach to Treating Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,” published in the Federal Practitioner, suggests this program promotes well-being, self-confidence, and stress reduction for Veterans with post traumatic stress disorder.  

“These stretching exercises help me mentally,” Veteran Diamond Bender says. “I always leave class in a better mood than when I came.”  

Suarez said she dedicates her time to helping Veterans shift their focus from overthinking and cognitive processes to creating a more embodied experience. By guiding them in movement and expression, Suarez encourages Veterans to connect with their somatic awareness – the sense of their own bodies and physical sensations. This approach allows them to engage with their emotions and bodies on a deeper level, transcending the confines of their minds.  

Dance Movement Therapy offers participants a way to work through issues that are difficult to articulate or are subconsciously buried because they are painful, frightening, or simply difficult to address through cognitive means.  

Research in the book  “Dance Movement Therapy: Theory and Practice” written by Helen Payne and published by the Taylor and Francis Group, supports the following theoretical principles:  

• Body and mind are interconnected so that a change in one impacts the other.  
• Movement can express aspects of the personality.  
• Improvisation and experimentation can bring about new ways of being. 
• Because nonverbal communication is symbolic and often unconscious.

“Normally I’m a strong introvert, I keep my emotions to myself, and I’m unable to express my feelings, but this class has enabled me to express my feelings and open up,” Bender says.  

As the room comes alive with music, Suarez, soft and gentle tone asks each Veteran what emotional energy they have brought with them that day, guiding them to turn their gaze inward.  

"Gratitude," says one, while another whispers "hope." There's "anxiety, too, and "trust." Next, each Veteran creates a movement based on their own energy and the group builds a dance based on a collection of all the individual moves.   

“We promote social cohesion and that's very healing – especially for people who feel disenfranchised in their lives, who are homeless, and might not have connection with family or friends. When they come to this group, they are a part of something,” says Dr. Susan Steinberg-Oren, DFV co-facilitator, and staff psychologist in the Integrative Health and Healing Program at West LA VA.  

“It keeps my mood positive,” Army Veteran Roslyn Battle says. “By using the ta-ta movement I feel like I’m tapping away the stressful circumstances and emotions off of me.”  

Battle says that she appreciates the opportunity to express how she feels and that “adding music, movement, and social aspects to that is healing.” A 2012 study found that a 10-week dance/movement intervention program reduced stress and improved social relations, general life satisfaction, and physical and psychological health. According to a variety of studies on Parkinson’s disease, many theorists find that dance fosters a sense of well-being, community, and joy.     

As the improvised expressive movement and written exercises continue, the participants become looser. Contagious laughter fills the air. Little conversations spark and happiness fills a room where some were once quiet and unsure.  

"What brings you peace?" Suarez asks. Veterans take five minutes to write out what they feel brings them peace.  

“Peace for me is being in tune with my inner soul and inner spirit that is created by the almighty God. I know that all I have to do to know peace is to say, ‘peace be still,’” Battle says.  

One Veteran finds peace in "loving others and fostering meaningful connections through communication." Another says, "the sun's life-giving presence and its impact on the earth." One Veteran enjoys going to "the ocean during overcast, windy days." Some discover inner peace through "the ability to connect with oneself." Amidst these heartfelt words, one Veteran simply admits, "I love turtles," a statement that creates giggles and spreads smiles across the room.  

Suarez emphasizes that “you merely can’t measure the most authentic benefits of dance in a study. You can’t measure the heart of a community. There is nothing like it. Over and over again dancing has saved my life because it is a transformative experience. I have a lot of faith in it.”  

Steinberg-Oren says that she’s noticed how Veterans who attend the class “radiantly transform.” The program gives Veterans an “overall sense of well-being, helps them bring in more joy, and leads them to be more open-hearted and less constricted. Overall, it sets them up to be able to approach their lives with a positive attitude.”  

The DFV program at West LA VA stands as a testament to the profound impact of dance, creativity, and connection in treating mental illnesses. To attend the Express Yourself DFV group, as of Sept. 12, 2023, residents of the DOM can join in on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. at the DOM (Building 214) in the community room. A class is also held online Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. To be a part of this class, participants must be affiliated with PRRC, a transitional educational center that inspires and assists Veterans in reclaiming their lives.