This reflection relates to what I acquired during simulation placement second week which was creative activity. The first day was dance therapy. The lecturer started us up with some warm up exercises. We learnt how dance can be achieved through non-verbal communication such as hand, body and face gestures. I learnt the difference between ordinary dance and dance therapy. We were taught about the history of Dance movement psychotherapy (DMP). Marian Chace (1896-1970) who was a dancer, choreographer and performer was from Washington USA. She was the first to experiment DMP in a psychiatric hospital using mirroring , rhythm ,shared leadership, creativity and play. We were taught that mirroring (movement and shape) promote empathy, understanding and communication. Mirroring is when a group of people dance by coping or imitating ones movement. Secondly, rhythm is cohesiveness, creativity and connection. This dance therapy is done by a group doing the same movement. It brings people together. Thirdly, shared leadership is the acknowledgment of individuals creativity, being, seeing and acknowledge by others. We were divided into groups to create dance therapy using any of the 6Cs of care which is care, compassion, competence, commitment, courage and communication and any of the movement that is mirroring, rhythm and shared leadership. According to Marian Chace “Dance is communication and as such it fulfils a basic human need”. I really enjoyed the placement since I had the opportunity to learn something new.

This activity enable me to know the difference in ordinary dance and dance psychotherapy. I have also learnt to make sure to ask for the dance psychotherapist where ever I do my placement especially when I come in contact with the mental health, dementia, learning disability and people who have been traumatize etc. I also learnt that dance therapy enable the patient to be self esteem, socialise, relaxation, create symbols, calm in the mind and also form of exercise.

I will contact the dance therapist in the area I work to have section with the patient when I come across them such as those depressed, stressed, traumatized etc. Since I have also acquired the knowledge I will also be in the position to practise some moves with them to help in their healing process.

This relates to Prioritise people. It is always important to seek consent from patient before practising any activities with the patient. The patient comes first in everything and it is very important to apply hand hygiene, show respect, maintain their dignity and privacy. When all this is done quality of care will be achieved as required by the NMC code and the NICE guidelines.