Tina Stromsted, Ph.D., BC-DMT, Jungian Psychoanalyst, USA

To: Boonsoon Ryu, President, and Members of the Korean Dance Therapy Association(KDTA):

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of congratulations to Dr. Ryu and to members of the KDTA, together with colleagues, students, and allied professionals in Korea and from many nations as you come together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Korean Dance Therapy Association!

The conference program looks very rich and inviting, addressing a wide range of populations and important topics, with esteemed colleagues and students from Korea and around the globe! Though I am very sorry not to be able to join you, given a previous commitment abroad, I know it will be a marvelous conference and will be marvelous conference and will be with you in spirit!

I remember fondly my experience of teaching in Seoul in the summer of 2011 where I felt deeply welcomed by Dr. Ryu, and the community there. Together, we explored Authentic Movement, a form of dance/movement therapy originated by Mary Starks Whitehouse with roots in the psychology of C .G. Jung. Also practiced as meditation/sacred dance, and engaged as a rich resource fro creativity, participants reflected on how moving and witnessing practice enriched their experience of embodied presence, and deepened their sense of respect and empathy for self and other. Movement sessions were augmented with drawing, writing, embodied dreamwork, readings and clinical discussions, followed by a supervision session addressing a variety of clinical applications.

How moving it was to witness the depth of engagement, passion, commitment and integrative insights that were evoked in the group throughout the week, as well as the remarkable combination of rich cultural history and cutting-edge technological advances in your beautiful, vital country!

On my way to class one day I recall stopping by a Buddist temple where I sat quietly with many others admist candles, and offerings of fruit, rice and flowers…. A timeless experience that widened my heart and mind brought me close to the animating spirit in the body that informs us all.

You are in my thoughts as you gather together. I know it will be a wonderful conference and I send my best wished and love.

Tina Stromsted