Joining the conversation is Project Band student Victoria Cruz who has a Master's degree in Dance Movement Therapy.

We talked about introducing new behaviors and removing habitual behaviors using movement, especially in belly dance improvisation.

During this episode of the Baby Boomer Belly Dancer, we talk about:

00:00 Our guest, Victoria Kinsey Cruz

02:15 Before it was Project Band...

03:45 What exactly is Dance Movement Therapy?

05:52 Movement spectrums and how we show up in movement patterns

10:04 Use of movement as a therapy tool

11:30 Self-regulation and music as an organizing factor

15:17 Gaining access to better relationships and cognitive function

17:47 Willingness to try new things when you want accolades from the audience

20:05 Seeing courage, taking risks, and giving yourself space vs control

27:02 Mindset about the audience

29:04 Where each person is at and how to encourage small shifts

33:35 Navigating life through mirroring belly dance movements

40:49 Belly dancing with other Project Banders

47:00  The deep work and how small changes are profound and long-lasting

53:16  Another COVID silver lining

Bottom Line: Project Band is deep self-reflective work... and much cheaper than therapy!