I heartily congratulate for the 20^thanniversary of the Korean Dance Therapy Association.

It is my honor to be part of this memorable 20^th conference in which a great number of people from 14 countries are attending. Prosperity and accomplishment of the KDTA is due to President Ryu’s hardwork, and her great energy has led to KDTA’s success.

I was very flattered to be invited by president Ryu to the KDTA conferences twice in the past. I conducted workshop of bodywork in 2001 and had a speech as a guest speaker in 2003, and I had splendid experiences both times. I was very impressed by the high level of activities and practices in dance movement therapy, as well as KDTA member’s passion. These are great and unforgettable memories. I love Korea and Korean people so much. And what I should not forget about is how delicious Korean dishes are!

As part of excellent partnership with KDTA, we asked President Ryu to come and give us a lecture on Korean Dance and its therapeutic power, at Nara Women’s University where I was a professor and the chairman of the JADTA 6^thannual conference in 1997.

The lecture by President Ryu was so stimulating and “ Moon Dance : Kangan Swore” showed in movie was so beautiful. We have been collaborating and exchanging our knowledge in dance movement therapy since then. The relationship with President Ryu is so special and meaningful to me and I sincerely wish President Ryu’s wellbeing and KDTA’s progress. I believe that the KDTA 20^th anniversary conference will provide wonderful opportunities to share knowledge and experience among DMT professionals from all over the world.

Thank you.

April 4^th2013

Takane Hirai, PH.D.

President of Japan Dance Therapy Association

Professor at Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences