To our readers,

Springtime can indicate a season of change and the emergence of fresh beginnings; in the research world we look forward to the blossoming of new ideas and the widening of our vision in the field of dance/movement therapy. This issue is released as the world continues to recalibrate in response to the pandemic, as we collectively settle into new normals, and identify pathways forward that are both familiar and unfamiliar. This issue of the American Journal of Dance Therapy (AJDT) marks the shift of our publications’ release dates; moving the AJDT from publication in June and December, to release months of April and October. This shift aligns with the American Dance Therapy Association’s (ADTA) annual conference and summit convenings. Our hope is that this shift will create increased opportunities for awareness and excitement, and connection within the dance/movement therapy community and among researchers sharing their research at these touchpoints.

This issue continues to broaden our reach, with an intentional focus on international contribution, by including articles that have been submitted from East/Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. This issue coincides with the celebration of the ADTA’s first conference held on international soil (Montreal, Canada). Continuing in the season of new ideas and forays into unchartered territory, this issue also includes the publication of an article in English and with its Spanish language translation. We strive to continue to publish articles inclusive of perspectives and research from around the world, including additional languages; this aids in upholding our goal to magnify research that is diverse, inclusive, and accessible.

This issue is comprised of four original papers (three research articles and one commentary article), two book reviews, and two conference papers. All of the articles in this issue demonstrate global perspectives. Two articles analyze multimodal therapist documentation of their experiences in client work; reflecting work with children manifesting anxiety (Bresler Nardi et al.), and research in understanding intersubjectivity through ‘Moments of Meeting’ with a variety of client groups (de la Parra López & Panhofer). An article by Takahashi et al. explores an intersection between motor functioning and dance/movement therapy (DMT) in a preschool for children with additional support needs in Japan. Additionally, the issue offers a paper focused on connection through exploring the development of a DMT network (RED DMT LATINX) that focuses on Latinx communities and perspectives.

The importance of a multicultural worldview within DMT practice is additionally represented in Amber E.L. Gray’s Marian Chace Lecture, the article highlights experiences in integrating polyvagal theory in multicultural trauma work with survivors. The issue concludes with book reviews that explore clinical research practices and dance/movement therapists’ perspectives on addressing embodied research methods and trauma with a diversity of populations. The ADTA conference research poster and thesis abstracts compilation highlights promising directions for DMT research.

Intentionally elevating a diversity of perspectives and contributions with a global viewpoint in the field of DMT is imperative for continued expansion, relationship building, and growth. We hope that this issue, and this season, will be a source of blossoming inspiration, innovation, connection, and creativity.

Sincerely,

Thania and Aisha.