Veteran Dance/Movement Programs

Veterans Outreach

Often, the veteran men and women in the dance classes find the idea of moving their bodies embarrassing, scary, or physically challenging. Nevertheless, after the music starts, most end up dancing in their own way--whether it is joining hands and lightly swinging their arms together, tapping a little toe, smiling with the music, or standing on the side of the room shaking a dance rattle to the beat.

At the end of each dance class, SDP facilitators create a live sculpture to bring everyone together in a moment of stillness and to honor each veteran's unique way of moving to music.

At VA Hospitals, Syzygy Dance Project dance facilitators see the transformative power of dance. The simplicity of movement always emerges as the class focus shifts away from how much they can move and what dance steps they take.

The Syzygy Dance Project Veteran's Outreach program was initially conceived and developed by SDP founder Sylvie Minot.

The veterans program offers open dance movement classes as part of veteran recovery services at local VA hospitals, such as the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. These uplifting and powerful events utilize dance both as a form of movement therapy and a way to practice positive social interactions.

Syzygy Dance Project veterans outreach facilitators join in dance with proud men and women who have served the United States in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran. Some of the veterans are recovering from substance abuse, others are in wheelchairs--only able to move parts of their upper torso or one side of their body, and a few of the veterans are confined to beds.

Many of the veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“I feel so much gratitude.

I just returned from active duty and did not know if I could feel joy again.

Now, I know that I can.

Thank you so much.”

- Medic, 40-year-old male veteran

Outreach Facilities Served

UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital.
VA Palo Alto Health Care System - Veterans in 30-day addiction recovery, veterans with dementia/Alzheimer’s unit, veterans with limited mobility, & in the psychiatry unit. Past classes: women with PTSD and veterans in 90-day addiction recovery.
NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) Military Family Wellness Center.