“Movement-based healing” encompasses a range of therapeutic approaches that harness the power of physical movement and exercise to foster healing and enhance one’s holistic sense of well-being. These approaches fundamentally acknowledge the intricate relationship between the mind and the body, striving to holistically address both the physiological and emotional dimensions of health.
By utilizing intentional movement, these healing modalities tap into the body’s innate capacity for restoration and rejuvenation. The principle underlying movement-based healing revolves around the idea that physical activity can initiate positive changes not only at a bodily level but also within one’s emotional and mental state. This perspective aligns with the growing recognition that our emotional experiences and psychological well-being are intrinsically intertwined with our physical condition.
Various modalities of movement-centered healing encompass practices such as yoga, tai chi, qi gong, Pilates, the Feldenkrais method, somatic experiences, and dance therapy. These techniques are thought to facilitate the release of tension, encourage relaxation, improve circulation, and activate the body’s innate healing mechanisms. However, our current attention is directed solely toward the realm of Dance Therapy.
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being.
For 8 years, the DJ duo, Soul Control has provided “movement-based healing” or “dance therapy” in the form of electrifying dance-themed events. Soul Control recently celebrated its anniversary at the historic and newly remodeled El Dorado Ballroom located in the heart of Houston’s Third Ward Cultural District.
DJ Elevated of Soul Control describes movement-based healing as “dealing with the intention of immersing oneself in the present moment, allowing the energy created through fellowship and high energy music to influence spontaneous motion. This act is known to provide therapy to the mind, body and soul when achieved in sustained occurrences.”
Soul Control consists of Houston native, DJ Elevated and Virginia native, Mookie Copeland (formerly known as DJ Anarchy). Both DJs have a passion for creating experiences where their audience can positively let loose and express themselves through movement. Have you ever been to an event and peep an individual or several individuals that look like they came specifically to dance? And not just the simple one-two step with your partner type of dancing, but instead the type of dancing where they came to show off some skills. No, not everyone that attends a Soul Control event is a professional dancer, but I’ve found myself doing some stretching before I head over just so I can attempt to keep up with the crowd.
During the anniversary night, The El Dorado Ballroom overflowed with a diverse crowd encompassing individuals of varying body types, backgrounds, and beliefs, all united by a shared purpose – commemorating the beauty of liberation through movement. Judgment was absent, as nobody attended to merely observe; each person was absorbed in active participation and companionship. It was almost impossible not to be swept away by the synchronized rhythm of the DJs’ sets, especially when played concurrently. These sets harmonized an array of genres including Reggae/Dancehall, Hip Hop/R&B, and Ballroom, among others. This evening also marked Soul Control’s triumphant return to the El Dorado Ballroom, following its closure for renovations in early 2019, amplifying the enchantment of their anniversary celebration.
“It’s dope to return to a space that has meant so much to the community of Third Ward,” DJ Elevated reflects. “It is truly an honor to help carry on the tradition of people dancing and enjoying themselves inside the historic El Dorado Ballroom,” Mookie Copeland adds.
Back in 1939, Anna and Clarence Dupree inaugurated The Eldorado Ballroom with the primary objective of offering an elegant establishment catering to Black social clubs. This venue swiftly rose to prominence within the Third Ward, attracting renowned artists like Eddie Vinson, Don Wilkerson, and Calvin Owens. As the mid-20th century unfolded, the Eldorado Ballroom played a crucial role for emerging Black musicians from Houston, granting them a platform to showcase their talents before sizable audiences during the weekly talent showcases. A multitude of artists, including Peppermint Harris (Harrison Nelson), Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Joe “Guitar” Hughes, reportedly jump-started their musical careers on the stage of the Eldorado Ballroom.
Upon the inception of Soul Control in 2015, Elevated and Copeland were granted an opportunity to iterate this new collective with a pop up event at The Alley Kat, filling in for DJ Nimbus’s “Midtown Underground”. Soul Control has then gone on to curate major dance parties such as Electrobounce, Fantastic Voyage, and Bodies In Motion in cities like Austin, Dallas, Tulsa, and Atlanta.
Elevated also took the time to talk about their first official installment as Soul Control. “Our goal that night was to present a new offering of nighttime enjoyment centered around genres that uplifted the spirit and encouraged dancing, which wasn’t prevalent in Houston at that time. Our efforts were extremely well received, citing that that experience felt refreshing, euphoric, healing and overall a time folks didn’t realize they needed. At that moment we identified our sustained intention of creating spaces for healing through fellowship, music of a certain frequency and dance.”
@artistrybybadu took to Instagram to give a testimonial of their experience:
you know that feeling when you just walk into somewhere, everything unknown, but just feel like you’re meant to be there? that’s exactly how I felt at @soulcontrol bodies in motion last night. I popped my sc cherry and met some beautiful timeless people, I’m so grateful for the opportunity, the people I met, the emotions that came through. I cried three times, shamelessly, two times watching @radicalblackgirl release them emotions to Rock The Boat and being that girl to Cozy, chileeeee I’m still getting chills. I popped out by myself, cause none of my friends wanted to come, but I made a lot of friends on the way so no regerts over here. Soul Control y’all don’t owe me nun, l’ll see y’all next time!
Ultimately, movement-based healing stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between physical and emotional health, underlining the importance of addressing both realms in tandem to achieve a more comprehensive and lasting state of well-being.
Have you tried movement-based healing? Maybe it’s time that you did!
While 8 years in the game is commendable, I believe these gentlemen are just getting started! Stay tuned for upcoming events by following the DJ duo’s Instagram(s): @soulcontrol @djelevated @mookiecopeland
