Thesis
Sankofa: reclaiming the therapeutic power of dance and spirituality in the African diaspora
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
20 Oct 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001982
Abstract
This paper explores the role of dance as it relates to spirituality, mental health, and culturally held concepts of healing from mental illness. These connections are explored through an inquiry into Western based mental health practices and spiritual practices with an anthropological lens on West Africa and the African Diaspora in the Americas. The paper aims to inform the author's autoethnographic journey where she seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What is spirituality and how does it differ from religion? 2. What is healing about dance in conjunction with spirituality? 3. What is the connection between religion, spirituality, and psychotherapy? 4. Are there any connections to the healing aspects of dance and spirituality in the African Diaspora with Yalom's therapeutic factors and Schamais' healing properties? 5. Why did the prayer camp she observed during an educational trip to Ghana, practice rituals similar to what she observed in church during her youth? 6. What was the impact of colonialism on expressions of spirituality and dance in African Diaspora? 7. Is there a connection between hip movement and spirituality? 8. How will these findings inform my future practice as a dance movement therapist in working with members African Diaspora and military community members. Keywords: dance, altered states of consciousness, possession, West Africa, spirituality, Ghana, Ifa, Palo, Santeria, Vodou, Obeah, Candomble,' religion, spirituality, African diaspora, healing, mental health, culture, colonialism, decolonizing therapy, therapy, healing
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Details
- Title
- Sankofa
- Creators
- Linda Vera la Hannah Williams - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Contributors
- Mary Lynn Patterson (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 89 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021872800704721