moving creatively together

Welcome
to Dance & Arts Therapy NZ.

We are here to empower and support

Download our Annual Report

Our Mission

Dance Therapy NZ (DTNZ) is a registered charitable trust that provides mental health and disability services. Our kaupapa is to support and empower vulnerable individuals and groups in Aotearoa New Zealand through the use of Dance Movement Therapy and Arts Therapy. We have a particular focus on those with disabilities and special needs but also work with at-risk tamariki from low income backgrounds and people of all ages struggling with trauma.

Our Team

We are a team of professionals who value creativity, connection, nurturing, growth, integrity and collaboration.

DTNZ consists of senior therapists trained in Dance Movement Therapy and/or Clinical Arts Therapy internationally and locally, therapists who are currently completing their training, professional dancers and dance education experts specialising in disability and dance.

Our Advisory Board

Programmes

We have 8 different programmes to choose from across Aotearoa.

Our school dance movement therapy sessions have helped bring out the students joy and enthusiasm for creatively expressing themselves through movement. After a whole term of weekly classes, children that were at first very shy, have come out of their shell with more confidence to lead and express their movement ideas. A teacher commented that one of our students who is very shy in big crowds, was now able to express his dance moves at the end of term assembly with great confidence and joy!

– Kris, Dance Movement Therapist

(My kids) become more creative at home and happier to do art. We used to go to other art classes and she doesn't enjoy it as much as here. She loves to create things without boundaries and she can do it here. Amazing class.

– Parent, Arts 4 Us Specialty

My group of young men are enjoying the new safe social space and even the reluctant ones at the start are slowly starting to join in. Some men are learning to self regulate and choose appropriately when joining in or opt out.

– Therapist, Dance 4 Us

I can be myself because I know I'm not the only one with these problems

– Child, Arts 4 Us General

I am not sure who needs to know, but I am super thrilled that [my child] has been chosen to be involved with the DTNZ Programme. She was lit up when describing her experience and without prompting, divulged that they asked how she was FEELING. I loved that…because in the holidays I was discussing with her the theory of having compassion for someone.

– Parent, Wainui School

In Arts 4 Us West parents are allowed to join and make art as well. Two boys and their mother came for the first time to the session. We were working with paint and the boys created artworks with their hands and arms, everything covered in paint. How wonderful it was that their mom admitted that she wanted to let go a little bit more and that paint was a reminder of lockdown and all the mess it created in their home. Creating a space at A4U where children are allowed to make a mess and parents don’t have to clean up afterwards creates benefits for both of them!!

– Maud, Dance Movement Therapist

Bit by bit, ‘M’ started to talk about his loss and grief during the group sharing within the artwork. But the most heartwarming moment for the whole group was when we worked with the theme of Matariki. The atmosphere and the link to Māori culture supported ‘M’ to find the right words while sharing his artwork and gifting his painting to his friend in heaven.

– Doreen, Dance Movement Therapist

She enjoys being part of a group and she enjoys the music and movement. This improves her social skills and confidence. She also needs help with socializing which is about what DTNZ provides. She has grown in confidence and enjoys coming to the group. She seems to be able to calm herself. I would recommend DTNZ because it helps her to improve social skills, confidence, and being part of a group. She enjoys the activities she does in the group.

– Parent, STARS

She really enjoys playing with different mediums, exploring how they work and is always very happy with what she produces. She has become very confident communicating with other adults in the class.

– Carer, Arts 4 All

He is a lot more animated and unapologetically himself. He is also more aware of his surroundings, peers and body. His school teachers have noticed his growth and confidence as well. He is now very social and outgoing but also empathetic towards others.

– Parent, School Group

Our Supporters

Dance Therapy NZ gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following:

Current Funders:

Venue Partners:

Upcoming Events & Programmes

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