Colombia Turns to Salsa Therapy in Response to High Rates of Sexual Violence
Colombia is using salsa dance as a healing therapy for sexual violence survivors in Cali, widely recognized as the salsa capital.
Carmen Diaz, not her real name, had a turbulent childhood marred by sexual abuse and disbelief from her parents, leading her to flee home and fall into drug addiction.
However, the innovative therapy program "Mi Cuerpo Es Mi Historia" ("My body is my story") helped Carmen find solace and strength in salsa, which combines physical movement with emotional expression.
Martha Isabel Cordoba Arevalo, a psychologist and the project's founder, emphasizes dance as an alternative form of expression for those unable to vocalize their trauma.
The therapy begins with performance arts and evolves to self-chosen themes, aiming to assist participants in understanding and managing their experiences. Despite the challenges of recovery, Carmen, now 28, shares that dancing made her feel free and no longer views herself as a victim but as a survivor.
Studies, like one from Frontiers in Psychology, suggest that dance therapy can decrease anxiety and depression. Specialist Dita Federman believes this therapy reaches patients uniquely, yet warns of the potential for re-traumatization and suggests a cautious approach.
The effectiveness of dance therapy in helping survivors of sexual violence, which is a significant problem in Colombia due to a long history of internal conflict and gender-based violence, is still being researched.
A significant proportion of Colombian women have faced violence, with right-wing paramilitary groups being major perpetrators. Arevalo's sessions aim to prevent re-traumatization by avoiding direct dance partnerships, encouraging group coordination, and techniques like mirroring.
Her non-profit offers a path for survivors to become instructors, which Sofia Murillo, a former participant, has done successfully, now teaching tourists in a vibrant studio.
Salsa in Cali is known for its fast rhythm which can be challenging for new learners, but under the guidance of teachers like Murillo, who have overcome personal struggles, students find joy and a sense of accomplishment in the dance.
However, the innovative therapy program "Mi Cuerpo Es Mi Historia" ("My body is my story") helped Carmen find solace and strength in salsa, which combines physical movement with emotional expression.
Martha Isabel Cordoba Arevalo, a psychologist and the project's founder, emphasizes dance as an alternative form of expression for those unable to vocalize their trauma.
The therapy begins with performance arts and evolves to self-chosen themes, aiming to assist participants in understanding and managing their experiences. Despite the challenges of recovery, Carmen, now 28, shares that dancing made her feel free and no longer views herself as a victim but as a survivor.
Studies, like one from Frontiers in Psychology, suggest that dance therapy can decrease anxiety and depression. Specialist Dita Federman believes this therapy reaches patients uniquely, yet warns of the potential for re-traumatization and suggests a cautious approach.
The effectiveness of dance therapy in helping survivors of sexual violence, which is a significant problem in Colombia due to a long history of internal conflict and gender-based violence, is still being researched.
A significant proportion of Colombian women have faced violence, with right-wing paramilitary groups being major perpetrators. Arevalo's sessions aim to prevent re-traumatization by avoiding direct dance partnerships, encouraging group coordination, and techniques like mirroring.
Her non-profit offers a path for survivors to become instructors, which Sofia Murillo, a former participant, has done successfully, now teaching tourists in a vibrant studio.
Salsa in Cali is known for its fast rhythm which can be challenging for new learners, but under the guidance of teachers like Murillo, who have overcome personal struggles, students find joy and a sense of accomplishment in the dance.
