Photo by Jo Lin

What was your activity?
Amber Gray, international specialist in dance movement therapy and trauma issues, introduced ways of working with people who have experienced trauma in refugee and indigenous contexts. Amber presented an overview on dance practice and trauma therapy and case studies from her work with clients in other countries such as Haiti, Sudan, USA and Indonesia.

The workshops focused on breath, body awareness and the importance of expressing personal life stories through movement and dance. In addition, Amber practiced group drumming as an approach. The emphasis in the workshops was on self-care for practitioners.

Did the activity meet your objectives? 

Most of the 37 participants attended both days, coming from Melaleuca Refugee Centre, Nungalinya College, Danila Dilba, Mission Australia, YWCA, Ruby Gaea and Carers NT. The participants brought a wide range of backgrounds including teaching, dance performance, dance therapy, music therapy, art therapy, mental health services, massage and complementary health, occupational therapy, youth services, counselling, refugee and Indigenous services.

Feedback showed:

"The course was intriguing - very much an introduction to the field of human healing through bodily exploration. I found it a great balance of theory and practice, weaving from the science behind psychosomatic therapy, case studies and active engagement in movement exercises.

"I loved the workshop. It was an excellent introduction into what can be done with the body in order to work with the mind. I look forward to trying components and ideas from the workshop with the young women I will be working with".

What were the successes and challenges?

To bring together a diverse group of people who enjoy learning about a movement-based practice in an experiential way, was a major success. The networking between people and represented organisations was a great result.

As a side effect, Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff members of Nungalinya College introduced Amber to local traditional Aboriginal culture and took her fishing and to collect ochre.

      Photo by Joanna Lin