Traditional arts can be understood not only as objects of preservation or performance but also as living practices through which people encounter identity, relationship and wellbeing. This article explores how four older Malay women in Singapore experienced Malay Dance in Therapy (MDiT), a locally named, culturally grounded arts-and-health programme combining accessible Inang dance practice with facilitated group reflection. The term MDiT refers to the programme’s local name rather than to a formal Dance Movement Therapy modality, a clinical intervention, or a validated treatment protocol; MDiT was facilitated by a registered psychotherapist in collaboration with Malay dance experts. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of semi-structured interviews, a group reflection dialogue and contextual observation, the study developed three interconnected themes: relearning heritage through the body; moving together and becoming connected; and wellbeing as agency, reflection and meaning. Participants described discovering ethical and relational meanings in gestures such as tumpang lalu, apa khabar and petik bunga; developing companionship, trust and mutual support through shared movement and dialogue; and relating participation to manageable physical activity, cognitive engagement, emotional expression, cultural pride and spiritual reflection. The findings suggest that culturally specific dance can support active heritage participation and social connection in later life when facilitated with cultural knowledge, accessibility, participant choice and ethical containment. The study does not establish programme effectiveness or generalisability; rather, it offers a context-specific account of how heritage, movement and group reflection intersected in the lived experiences of older Malay women, with implications for community arts-and-health and psychotherapy-informed group practice.
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