Survivors of sex violence use dance therapy to heal

Using the rhythm of dance as a potent tool to overcome, address and heal the scars of violence and abuse seems to be the new mantra to beat the demons of unpleasant memories.
Paving way for such an example is New York-based 'Battery Dance Company' that has collaborated with 'Kolkata Sanved' an NGO which uses Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) to address the issue of sexual violence.
The collaboration performed on the theme of 'Dancing to Connect' here recently with 25 young survivors of sexual violence, trained by professionals of both groups.
"It was interesting that a bunch of young children who had every reason to distrust people due to the turbulent episodes they went through in their lives; instilled confidence and trust in us. The dance movements we designed for the performance were based on the inputs and narration by the young survivors," says Jonathan Hollander Artistic Director and founder, Battery Dance Company.

Seven trainers from Battery Dance Company and Kolkata Sanved trained a troupe of girls who have survived a myriad of hardships including gender violence, human trafficking and homelessness, in a matter of seven days for the performance; shares Sohini Chakraborty, founder of Kolkata Sanved.
"The effort was all about instilling a sense of self esteem and dignity in the hearts of the children. While the dance performance was crucial, it was also about the behind-the-scenes, where the children form a strong bond with the ones who train them and speak their mind and heart out. The dance moves we created tell the story of each one of the survivors," says an enthusiastic Sohini.