Written by Thursday 8 p.m. dancer & student,
Christa Hafemann
Equine
therapy is the discipline of using horses as a means to provide a metaphoric
experience, allowing students to encounter themselves differently and discover
new ways of dealing with difficult situations both past and present. While
there are various approaches and names to Equine Assisted Therapy, one of the
key tenants is learning how to communicate effectively with the horse. Horses
connect with their riders and being herd animals, often reflect back what an
individual is feeling or thinking, actively engaging the student to respond and
deal with their own behavior. If an individual is feeling fearful towards the
horse, often a horse will respond with fearful behavior as a member of the
'herd' isn't in balance. In order for the student to communicate effectively
with their horse, they need to be engaged with the present moment and aware of
what their bodies are projecting. It is a unique and beneficial alternative to
talk therapy. Where a student may not be entirely communicative with the
instructor, engaging with the companion horse can draw out those issues that
lack verbal defining. Pole Dance Therapy has distinctly similar therapeutic
benefits as equine therapy, for while there is no horse giving feedback on
specific behavior or mindsets, the pole in this dance serves as the instrument
of feedback, and much of what is required for the dance, is also integral in
equine therapy. While society has preconceived notions of what pole dancing is
and who does it as well as why, it is beneficial to challenge these ideas and
look at this style of dance through a different perspective. Through dancing and
socializing with other members of the class, Pole Dance Therapy can be very
effective at healing through non-verbal therapy methods, engaging the mind to
be present and heal itself, similar to equine therapy.
A key to equine therapy is being
present-minded. This isn't a zone-out trance, but an active mindfulness where
there is engagement with the present and anticipation of the immediate future.
An example of this could be something as simple as walking with the horse as a
student, staying centered in the moment as well as aware of the upcoming motions
that will be required to continue the movement as well as desired direction of
the horse. Deep breathing if the student is distracted or anxious can be a good
way to assist an individual having difficulty with this present-mindedness. A
horse will sense if the student is disengaged or preoccupied, and the harmony
between the two will be noticeably lacking than with someone who is connected. Over
time, as the student practices this mindfulness and becomes accustomed to it,
there is an increased sense of empowerment as they are able to effectively
communicate and work with the horse and themselves. Likewise, with pole
dancing, the student must also remain present-minded. Engagement with the present
is required to follow-through on specific moves, while anticipating the
immediate future is required to continue the flow of the dance. The initial
meditative warm-up helps facilitate this through stretching and breathing
exercises. Through the class, fellow students often provide some non-verbal
feedback as to whether or not the individual is engaged and present in the
practice and dance. Students fully connected are very recognizable when dancing
and this is reflected through the praise they often receive from other students
observing. There is an observable relationship that the student has with the
pole and with the music, and the combination of those two things helps that individual
transcend their normal state of mind and engage in an active meditation in much
the same way as equine therapy.
The
benefit of this shift in thinking and reacting, whether with horses or dance as
the feedback mechanism, is a student who learns the value of this state of
mind. It can reduce anxiety, improve self-awareness, as well as physical
coordination and body perception. More than anything, it improves
self-efficacy. A student can measure their own ability to complete specific
goals, and over time notice a personal transformation that is often dramatic.
Equine
therapy often takes place in intimate group settings. This is beneficial as the
student has less pressure to perform in front of others, it is also helpful in
building relationships and increasing socialization in a non-threatening way.
The student also has the opportunity to watch herd behavior among the horses.
There is a very specific communication-style horses have as flight animals that
is non-predatory, while assertive and socially intelligent. They primarily
communicate through body language, such as how much space is taken up, directly
or indirectly facing someone, head positioning, type of walk, and even facial
expressions. It is a highly intuitive method of communicating, and is
transferable to human interpersonal relationships in a profound way. This can
be very empowering for the student to observe, as it typically runs opposite of
conventional wisdom for leadership and success, yet is evident to be very
beneficial and harmonious to the individuals as well as the herd.
While pole dancing lacks the horses performing as a herd, there are similarities. The small class size encourages relationship building amongst members of the class, and an authentic community that supports individual and group needs simultaneously, is fostered. This is herd behavior, manifesting in a pole dance class. Competition and objectivity have no place in the class or the dance. Students learn instead to consider the constant interplay of body, mind, spirit, and emotion to develop an intuitive approach to dancing. This approach also applies to communicating with each other, as there is a raw sense of vulnerability for the student participating in the dance that can be resistant to traditional, dominant methods of communication, both verbal and non-verbal. It is a positive, feminine connection to 'the herd'.
For
the individuals participating, it boosts inspiration, innovation, and communion
with each other. It also teaches that one can continually adjust to challenging
circumstances while fostering an adaptable yet joyful, deliberate, and
sustainable attitude. There is a sense of empowerment that is not domineering,
and a self-confidence that is not arrogant. These are powerful concepts to
embrace as a woman, especially in a world that is so male-oriented.
Horses
are novel. For the majority of students in equine therapy, meeting a horse is
an entirely new experience. While there may be some idea how self-exploration
will go, often there are no preconceived notions on how that student will
react. This is the perfect environment to learn about the self. The brain,
being unsure of next steps and outcomes, tends to focus less on performing and
more on learning. Pole dancing is also fairly novel. While society has
preconceived notions about this dance form, the student typically has no idea
how well they will do attempting these new movements. As with meeting a horse
for the first time, there is nervousness, hesitancy, and a distinct lack of
preset 'patterns' the body can easily fall into.
This
can be somewhat uncomfortable, mentally, for the student. However it is through
this approach that the student can learn the value of trust, in themselves and
the instructor, as well as increase body awareness dramatically. Over time, learning
to dwell and become comfortable and familiar with this mind-set makes it less
and less frightening, cultivating personal acceptance, establishing
assertiveness, improving creative freedom and personal growth.
At
a high level, therapy with both horses and dance is movement, engagement with
the body, and awareness of the present. Both can be highly beneficial for the
student to connect with themselves and each other in a deep and empowering way.
This allows them to move beyond the physical to tap into a deep inner healing
that is highly personal and transformative.
