The Villages - June 2022 - 39

I teach from a fascial
point of view. So, I
teach yoga differently,
and this has made a
huge difference.
Experiencing the Body-Mind Connection
The option to study dance appealed to Martin, so she
enrolled in a university and later went to Goucher College
for dance movement therapy, which she described as
" the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the
integration of the mind and body. "
" I became a therapist - a movement therapist, that's
my background, " she said.
It's also just one of the many highlights on a laundry
list of Martin's accomplishments.
She was drawn to the spiritual, emotional and mental
integration of movement. She understood that movement
was the physical component of an all-encompassing tool
for wellness. It was one gear in a powerful vehicle.
" I got into school for physical therapy, although I was
pretty adamant that I didn't want to do physical therapy
because I felt like at the time, they discounted what was
happening spiritually or inside a person, " Martin said.
" They were just working to rehab a muscle, and dance
therapy really works to integrate the mind and body.
That was a very big difference. And, you know, now
in retrospect, I tell students to go become a (physical
therapist or an occupational therapist) first. "
Martin sees the value in building on a foundation
of anatomical knowledge, with a strong focus on
the functional body. Physical therapists specialize
in diagnostics and are able to help people manage
conditions, increase range of motion and recommend
modifications for those with limitations. In terms of
career choices, PT was a practical one for Martin.
" Students are still coming out of school with a
master's degree in dance therapy and they can't make
a living, " she said. " The wages are horrible. So, when
I went to school for therapy, it led to that place where I
could work one-on-one with people or in small groups,
and I felt like I could take that anywhere. And in fact, I
did when I finished my graduate work. "
MAGAZINE
39
The Villages - June 2022

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