Somatics and Dance:
Historical, Pedagogical, 
and Philosophical Overview

This online seminar course is professional development for Dance Teachers and Movement Educators who are interested in a somatic approach to dance. 

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Day 1:  Historical Overview

Addresses a historical overview of somatics and how somatics trickled into dance. Together we look at and discuss the differences between a somatic dance class versus a non-somatic dance class.

 

• Your self directed studies project between class 1 and 2 will be to self reflect upon your own dance history and training and to create a 'somatic tree' of your somatic influences. 

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Day 2:  Pedagogical Approaches

Addresses a pedagogical approach to teaching somatic dance. We will look at some tools and approaches to put into practice in order to teach a class that is somatic-based such as; setting up the environment, letting go of personal bias, verbal cueing, inviting sensation, experiential anatomy, working with image, etc. 

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• ​Your self directed project between class 2 and 3 will be to self-reflect upon your teaching 'habits' and to practice offering a somatic approach to teaching (such as working with somatic verbal cueing, setting up experiential anatomy explorations, exploring how to support sensorial experiences for your students, etc). 

Day 3: Underlying Philosophies

Addresses the philosophical underpinnings of somatics and dance while continuing the discussion around pedagogical approaches to dance.  Ethics, scope of practice, and the type of training necessary to be a teacher of somatic-based dance is also discussed. 

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• Your self directed take away project will be to get clear about your philosophical approach to teaching dance and how you would articulate this and share with others. This will be a written assignment that you will share with Donna and your peers. You will also self-reflect upon what is needed to continue your own growth and development as a somatic-based dance teacher. 

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The course is delivered on Zoom through both slideshow sharings and facilitated group discussions:  The course also involves practical assignments. Articles and handouts are also provided!

 

Those students who complete the online course, as well as assignments, receive a certificate of completion from Moving Arts and Somatic Studies. 

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The learning takes place through a slideshow presentation as well through dialogue and sharing together (online). Students must attend the schedule course online to receive the certificate of completion.  

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"Donna presented in an informative, yet also personal manner, which gave the group a safe place for discussion and contemplation. She doesn't just "know" the information but lives it. I highly recommend this course for those wishing to adopt a somatic approach to their practice."

- student testimonial

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Learn:

• A historical overview of somatics 

• Discover how and when somatics trickled into dance.

• Learn about how somatics can be brought into the dance studio in the 21st century to support difference, change, and personal autonomy. 

• How to use some basic pedagogical approaches for teaching somatic-based dance.

• Philosophical underpinnings related to somatics.

 

Explore:

• self-directed studies and assignments that will support you in your practice as a somatic dance practitioner.  

• Dialogue with peers

 

Receive:

• Readings and articles.

• PDF handouts created by Donna, with hi-lights from the slideshow, to support your teaching practice. 

 

Together we ask the question...

What is possible when we allow ourselves to shift the paradigm within dance practice, towards a somatic approach?
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This is a course geared to dance teachers who are teaching with a somatic approach or who want to teach with a somatic approach. 

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Online Via Zoom as follows:

Sunday November 9th 2025:  9:30-12:00 PST - 2.5 hrs

Sunday November 16th 2025: 9:30-12:00 PST - 2.5 hrs

Sunday November 23rd 2025  9:30-12:00 PST - 2.5 hrs

 

Plus: Self-Directed learning/ discussed the first day online.

Participants will need to schedule some additional time each week for their self-directed learning.  ​

 

Course Fee:  $225 Canadian 

Early Bird $190 if you register and pay by Sunday October 26th

Student, Seniors, or under-employed:  $175

Registration Deadline Nov. 9th

payment by E transfer (or via Pay Pal)

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This professional development course is for Dance Teachers, Dance Facilitators, Movement Educators and Dance artists who are interested in a somatic approach to dance.​

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