Working at a domestic violence shelter is certainly a jarring experience. Children are ripped away from their homes, their friends and their fathers, and enter a world of uncertainty. It is long believed that children who witness domestic violence suffer more complicated long term emotional consequences than being actually abused, because domestic violence comes with all of the guilt of not being able to protect their other parent. Families in the shelter I worked at would come and go, some would stay for weeks, and others would stay for a few days, but they all needed assistance, particularly the children.

As a coordinator for children’s groups twice weekly, I was always intrigued by the idea of dancing. In the book Move, Caroline Williams describes dancing as a collective unit- the line between self and other is blurred. Attack loneliness and help us reconnect with those around us. I saw firsthand how children gained more confidence and autonomy by creating their own beats with safe movements around. They were able to express themselves by movement in a safe nd judgment-free space, when articulating was often too challenging with wounds so fresh. The added fitness benefits of dancing had noted enhancements in their behavior, focus and concentration during the school day as noted by their parents.