Natasha Goldstein-Levitas · Aug 12, 2025 · 6 min read
Set the Scene to Be Seen
Lights, camera, action….the stories we share through our laughter, tears, and song invite human connection and meaningful exchanges. We set and re-set the scene, weaving through the chaos and weathering the storms that disrupt our paths. The themes that emerge anchor us just enough to keep us going and to help reveal the important symbols and patterns along the way. It is important to honor and validate our personal strengths and expressions. We are all unique and have unique abilities and strengths. It is all about finding our own rhythm and feeling most comfortable to express ourselves within that.
Where we might arrive through the creative-expressive process is exactly where we might need to be. When we engage our senses, our imaginations, and our emotions productively, such as in the creative arts therapies (ie: art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, and poetry therapy), our truths and feeling states bubble up to the surface, are acknowledged, and then explored. The creative exploration might involve improvisation and play techniques, and also music accompaniment and supportive, sensory (sometimes nostalgic) items to enhance the process. Engagement in the creative-expressive process often invites us to revisit the scenes in our memories, express our personal narrative, and viscerally respond to internal and external stimuli, seeking validation.
Moving has so many benefits for our physical, emotional, and brain health, and for our overall well-being. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is strength-based and is an organic process, whereby trained therapists tap into what is accessible for individuals without forcing or pushing specific movement or choreography. Participation does not require prior dancing experience. Even subtle movements such as eye contact and breathing patterns can offer a way in and support a rich therapeutic exchange. The “dance” is actually the exchange and the connecting steps in the relationship. There is a sort of improvisation within this creative-expressive process. In fact, I think that we all improvise and keep moving through our day-to-day lives, finding creative solutions in the moment.
The Dance/movement therapy sessions I offer for older adults and individuals living with dementia help to support and validate their personal expression and promote meaningful engagement and connection. I use a person-centered, movement, and sensory hybrid approach to meet individuals where they are, tailored to specific abilities and needs in the moment. For individuals living with dementia, the rich interactions and connections are “the dance”. I use music as a primary stimulus for these interactions and I offer opportunities for nostalgia, self-expression, and engagement. I love to involve care partners in this process, as much as possible, to help build rapport and to strengthen the relationship. I feel strongly that imagination, celebration, and offering choices be a part of this interaction, regardless of a diagnosis. I have trained care partners and shared movement and sensory techniques that they may adapt and use with their clients and loved ones. While only trained creative arts therapists may offer creative arts therapy, one does not need to have this specific level of training or even be an artist, to be able to engage or connect using a creative, expressive, and sensory-based approach.
Vivid memories and a range of emotions surface, as I reflect upon a DMT session I facilitated at a Life Plan Care Community with 14 members, many of whom were older adults living with dementia from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I am certain that many of the sensory approaches and environmental modifications I share in my vignette below, can easily be adapted to work and interactions with various individuals and in many different settings. It is my hope that each of you reading this piece might be able to apply some of these techniques in concert with your own strengths and creative ideas.
To help “set the scene” and create an inviting atmosphere, I set up chairs in a circle formation and sprayed some lavender essential oil mist as members entered the space. I think that it is always important to greet individuals and build rapport before beginning any session. This approach is welcoming and encourages trust. Our group began seated, and I played instrumental jazz standards and popular Motown tunes in the background. I guided members through a deep breathing and stretching sequence, mindful of abilities and overall comfort levels. For visual and tactile stimuli, and to help promote focus, I decided to incorporate colorful scarves into our movement experience. Each member chose which they preferred, and then we waved our arms in various patterns from side to side, using direct eye contact, smiles, and exaggerated facial expressions, to more fully engage with one another.
This playful, rhythmic movement exchange evolved into metaphorically passing around something to help give us more energy. Responses included: “a big cup of coffee with cream and a little sugar”, “a nice hug” from family members or a spouse, “my music!”, “a handshake and smile”, “pancakes with lots of syrup”, and “prayer”. Members became visibly excited and more easily offered their thoughts with the group. We spoke about times when we are feeling blue and extra frustrated with our situations, and how a hug and hot beverage can be comforting and offer support to keep going. This conversation lasted for a few minutes with some prompting and redirection at times, and encouraged nostalgia, connection, and camaraderie among the members.
Our group closure involved metaphorically making a pot of coffee and baking cookies to enjoy together, using guided movement and imagination. Members appeared relaxed, content, engaged, and sat up a bit taller in their chairs. Fears and frustrations associated with not being able to recall the “right words” or feeling invisible and misunderstood, given changes with cognition and progressive loss, are commonplace for individuals living with dementia. As illustrated above, these feeling states began to dissolve, and members were validated through the creative-expressive process.
We grow, shrink, and extend in space, using colors, imagination, sounds, and physical movement. We set the scene, establish our unique rhythm, and we are all seen and heard.
Natasha Goldstein-Levitas, MA, BC-DMT
Dance/Movement Therapist
EngAge: https://natashagoldstein.com/
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