VORTRAG: Rooted in Rhythm: Indian Dance-Inspired Movement Therapy for Pediatric Cancer Care
Rrishika Kakoty
Background: Pediatric oncology patients frequently experience substantial psychosocial distress, yet culturally adapted psychosocial interventions are limited in low-resource Indian settings. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) employs embodied expression as a psychotherapeutic mechanism and may be particularly appropriate where verbal processing is constrained and where dance traditions are culturally resonant.
Goals: The study aimed to investigate whether a culturally adopted, informed DMT program can enhance emotional well-being and quality of life (QoL) of pediatric oncology patients, as observed by primary caregivers.
Methods: Using an interpretive constructivist qualitative design, a six-session DMT intervention integrating Indian classical and folk dance movement elements was delivered at the Deepsikha Foundation in Guwahati, India. Five children (ages 6–15) who attended at least four sessions were included. Semi-structured interviews with primary caregivers were conducted within 24 hours of the final session. Interviews were transcribed, translated to English, and analyzed inductively via thematic analysis across three coding cycles, with reflexive journaling to address researcher positionality.
Results: Analysis generated six interrelated themes: (1) treatment effect on behaviour, (2) sense of self and confidence perceived by the caregiver, (3) changes in mood and behaviour, (4) feelings and perspective of the caregiver, (5) social interaction and group cohesion, and (6) perceived value of DMT. Caregivers reported observable increases in resilience, peer engagement, communicative responsiveness, and the adoption of movement-based coping strategies.
Discussion: Findings suggest that culturally adapted DMT is a feasible and acceptable adjunct in pediatric oncology within low-resource Indian contexts and may support psychosocial resilience and social connectedness. Implications include potential integration of culturally grounded DMT into holistic care. Limitations include small sample size, caregiver-report bias, and brief intervention duration. Future research should use larger, mixed-methods designs with validated QoL measures and longitudinal follow-up to evaluate efficacy and mechanisms of change. The study underscores culturally informed embodied therapies as promising for practice.
Rrishika Kakoty is a Dance and Movement Therapist and performing artist originally from Assam, India, now based in Heidelberg, Germany. She has been practicing Sattriya, one of India’s classical dance forms, for over two decades. Her work explores the transformative and therapeutic potential of movement, bridging artistic expression and emotional well-being. Through her academic and creative practice, she investigates how embodied movement can foster healing, cultural connection, and self-awareness. Rrishika is passionate about sharing the expressive and therapeutic dimensions of Indian classical dance in cross-cultural contexts.