Dance/Movement Therapy
Serving individuals and communities Ontario-wide.
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What is Dance/Movement Therapy?
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a creative arts therapeutic modality that draws on the intrinsic characteristics of dance as an embodied art form. Dancing provides a multi-sensory experience that engages the “whole person”: body, mind, and spirit. We offer sessions for:
Individuals
Toddlers, primary school, teens, adults, and seniors.
Groups
Care partnerships in long-term care, schools, hospices, and more.
Virtual
Individual or group sessions through Zoom.
Powered by Certified Dance/Movement Therapists
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Eden Champagne
Lead Dance/Movement Therapist
In Canada, the field of DMT is growing and evolving. Currently, no Master’s level degree exists in Canada. Practicing DMTs in Canada must either have obtained their training abroad (e.g. United States, Europe) or have completed the Alternate Route DMT program at the National Center for Dance Therapy in Montreal, as well as another Master’s degree in psychology/health.
Our Approach to Dance/Movement Therapy
In a Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) session, the format may vary based on the group, but it generally follows this structure:
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1. Embodied Warm-up: Every session starts with a physical warm-up.
2. Responsive Exploration: The dance/movement therapist tailors the session to address the client's needs and encourages movement release.
3. Thematic Development: The majority of the session focuses on exploring and resolving a specific theme.
4. Meaningful Closure: The session concludes with a significant movement-based closure.
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DMT is versatile and can benefit individuals of all ages, including those with various developmental, mental, cognitive, physical, social, and psychological challenges. The goals of DMT sessions are designed to align with the client's abilities and aspirations using a strengths-based approach.
Benefits of Dance/Movement Therapy
Sessions may involve the use of props (e.g. scarves, music-making), partnered dancing, mirrored movement, exploring different movement dynamics/qualities, verbal sharing, and times of stillness/focus on the breath.
Participants are encouraged to engage in the creative process, through which new meanings and personal growth may occur. Outcomes include:
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Increased body-awareness
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Vitality
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Empowerment
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Joy
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Social connection
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Coping skills
More About MCC
What Our Clients Have to Say
Bring Dance/Movement Therapy to
the Communities You Serve
Dance/movement therapy can take place in-person or virtually. At MIYA Creative Care, we run in-person DMT groups in the community or in more clinical settings such as long-term care residences and hospitals. Virtual 1-on-1 sessions are also available, as well as groups for particular clients, such as older adults who join in from home. Connect with us today to learn more about the therapeutic advantages of dance/movement therapy.