This thesis explores the intricate relationship between dance and trauma, focusing on how embodied practices facilitate psychological recovery. Dominant narratives often prioritise cognitive experiences, limiting our understanding of healing. By employing a qualitative, post-positivist and critical autoethnographic approach, I reflect on my journey through trauma following the Christchurch earthquakes, utilising journal entries from the point of view of my younger self to illustrate the transformative power of movement and dance. The key themes of this research are structure and routine, socialisation, and alleviation of anxious thoughts, demonstrating how engaging with the body challenges conventional notions of recovery. Furthermore, it highlights the complementary role of Dance Movement Therapy in trauma- informed practices, advocating for a holistic approach that recognises the mind-body connection. The findings underscore the necessity of viewing trauma as an embodied experience and propose a shift toward movement-based therapeutic practices that empower individuals through their lived experiences. Ultimately, this research calls for reimagining therapeutic frameworks, emphasising dance's potential to complement current trauma- informed therapies and promote a bottom-up approach to recovery
A story submitted by Greg Cole to the QuakeStories website.
Summary of oral history interview with Michelle about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Summary of oral history interview with Laurence about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Summary of oral history interview with Jacqueline about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Transcript of Suzanne Bateup's earthquake story, captured by the UC QuakeBox project.
Transcript of Tony Dowson's earthquake story, captured by the UC QuakeBox project.
An entry from Jennifer Middendorf's blog for 18 December 2010 entitled, "I think it's summer".
An entry from Jennifer Middendorf's blog for 22 February 2012 entitled, "12:51".
A story submitted by Jeremy Ellen to the QuakeStories website.
Summary of oral history interview with Jacqui Gavin about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Summary of oral history interview with Kirsty about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Summary of oral history interview with Hana about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes. Pseudonym used to identify interviewee.
Summary of oral history interview with Joy Brownie about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Transcript of Savannah Tarren's earthquake story, captured by the UC QuakeBox project.
Today: a month on from the Canterbury earthquake, we take a comprehensive look at the recovery process from the Garden City; we get a glimpse at the Commonwealth Games and; trauma affects police involved in the recovery of Carmen Thomas' body.
A story submitted by Mike Williams to the QuakeStories website.
Summary of oral history interview with Adele Kelly about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
A story submitted by Alison Downes to the QuakeStories website.
Summary of oral history interview with Carol Hides about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Transcript of participant number QB1602's earthquake story, captured by the UC QuakeBox project.
An entry from Jennifer Middendorf's blog for 2 March 2011 entitled, "Random things".
A story submitted by Peter Seager to the QuakeStories website.
A pdf transcript of Kathryn's second earthquake story, captured by the UC QuakeBox Take 2 project. Interviewer: Joshua Black. Transcriber: Maggie Blackwood.
Summary of oral history interview with Susan Allen about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Transcript of Aaron Lewis's earthquake story, captured by the UC QuakeBox project.
Summary of oral history interview with Mary Hobbs about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
A story submitted by Rosie Belton to the QuakeStories website.
Summary of oral history interview with Jane Sutherland-Norton about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Summary of oral history interview with Lois Herbert about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
