Abstract:
The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to uncover, describe, compare, and
contrast the personal stories and experiences of dance in the lives of the four cancer
survivors who volunteered to participate in this research and 2) to determine how and if
dance can be a useful tool in gathering data about the experiences of these cancer
survivors. Participants were observed in their regular dance practice, kept journals, and
completed three verbal interviews and three movement interviews. Participants
reported that dance has helped them re-connect with their bodies, overcome feelings of
isolation, adapt to life after cancer, express and release emotions, and free their minds
of worry. Each participant reported that the process of sharing their stories led to
deeper understanding and appreciation of the role of dance in their lives. However, the
movement interviews had the most impact in stimulating discoveries about themselves
as cancer survivors who dance.