Exploring Rata Yakuma: Weaving Dance/Movement Therapy and a Sri Lankan Healing Ritual

Abstract

In the South Asian nation of Sri Lanka, dance-based rituals that promote healing for physical and psychological illnesses continue to be implemented island-wide. In this article, the Sri Lankan and American coauthors discuss their embodied exploration that resulted from almost two years of onsite collaboration in Sri Lanka, specifically their investigation of the low-country Rata Yakuma ritual performed for women experiencing pregnancy or infertility. We explored its relevance for community and personal wellbeing as well as potential intersections with dance/ movement therapy. We discuss our experiences of being self-reflective while learning from each other and practicing cultural humility when adapting movements from ritual practices. Themes of finding strength, stability, sense of home, connecting with nature, increased connection to certain body parts, and shifting emotions all resulted from the collaborative process. The process culminated in a dance film to further express our embodied reflections, which can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/581258415/5d941344d3.