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Dance as therapy in Grenada: the intersection of gender, education, and crisis
Dissertation   Open access

Dance as therapy in Grenada: the intersection of gender, education, and crisis

Vanessa S. Aird
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
17 Dec 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000677
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Abstract

Caribbean studies Caribbean women Emotions--Health aspects Gender-inequality Mindfulness (Psychology) Grenada
The purpose of this narrative qualitative study explores the effects of "Dance as Therapy" on the emotional well-being of young women in Grenada. "Dance as Therapy" is the combination of dance and mindfulness practices, such as meditation and reflective writing. More specifically this study will explore the role dance and mindfulness plays in regards to participants' mood, social interactions, and goals/aspirations, both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was comprised of ten young women who were former students and/or teachers of Harmony Dance Academy (HDA); a mindful dance program on the island. The following questions guided this study: (1) What challenges do young women in Grenada face, particularly in terms of social stigmas, gender inequality, and discrimination? (2) What role(s) does dance play in the lives of young women in Grenada both in and out of school, particularly in terms of managing emotional wellness? (3) How has COVID-19 impacted young women's relationship to dance? How has this impacted their sense of emotional wellness? Through semi-structured focus groups and one-on-one interviews, three critical themes emerged during the data analysis process. Theme 1, Being Silenced, presents what young women are coping with, in terms of Cultural Stigmas, Gender Inequality, and Discrimination, and how they have been silenced by it all. Theme 2, Finding Voice: Before & Amidst a Global Pandemic, provides insight into what dance means for these young women and how their relationship with the art form has led to them finding their voice in the most unique ways. It also sheds light as to how the role of dance has changed in their lives since the inset of COVID-19. Theme 3, The Impact of Mindful Dance Programming, highlights the benefits of programs like HDA, and the impact it has had on the participants and their students. In addition, three findings emerged through in-depth focus groups and individual interviews; (1) Participants have experienced and continue to experience gender inequality within the school system, at home, and the workplace, (2) Participants have experienced and are experiencing emotional challenges (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem) as a result of discrimination, cultural stigmas, and lack of a trusted space in which to share and process their truth, (3) Participants' experiences reflect the positive impact dance and mindfulness had on their emotional, mental, and social well-being. Recommendations from this study, based on findings, are offered to the Government of Grenada, Dance Educators, Young Caribbean Women, as well as recommendations for future research.

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