Safe spaces for connection and belonging.
STARS
Our STARS dance movement therapy groups are clinical programmes tailored to young people who identify as being neurodivergent, and/or having cognitive or physical disabilities. They create supportive communities for vulnerable youth, offering safe spaces for connection and belonging.
About our STARS Dance Movement Therapy Programme
Dance movement therapy provides a unique gateway into a child’s world. It encourages the child to interact and connect in ways that they feel safe, and we can gently guide them into a range of interactions, to expand their levels of comfort, and to move into skill building when appropriate.
Our therapeutic programmes combine creative expression (dance/movement, music, play and body awareness activities) with skill development (communication, self-regulation, motor planning and social interaction). The group activities support peer social relationships as the children learn about each other by sharing through creative self-expression. These groups help children develop understanding and empathy for others through following and responding to the actions, dance moves and musical dialogues of their peers.
Groups typically run for a school term and meet weekly for 45-60 minutes. Groups are limited to 6 clients to provide individualised attention for each child, and to reduce the level of stimulation that some children with special needs find challenging in group settings.
Locations
Pakuranga
Day & time: Wednesdays 3.45-4.45pm
Dates:
Term 1 2025: 12 February – 2 April
Term 2 2025: 7 May – 25 June
Term 3 2025: 23 July – 10 September
Term 4 2025: 15 October – 3 December
Mt Albert
Day & time: Wednesdays 3.45-4.45pm
Dates:
Term 1 2025: 12 February – 2 April
Term 2 2025: 7 May – 25 June
Term 3 2025: 23 July – 10 September
Term 4 2025: 15 October – 3 December
North Shore
Day & time: Saturdays
6 – 11 years old 9.45am – 10.45am
9 – 14 years old 11.15am – 12.15pm
Dates:
Term 1 2025: 15 February – 5 April
Term 2 2025: 3 May – 28 June (No session 21 June - Matariki Weekend)
Term 3 2025: 19 July – 6 September
Term 4 2025: 11 October – 29 November
The Cost of STARS
STARS run for part of each term. The cost for STARS over eight weeks is $225 including GST for the whole term.
Please email clients@dancetherapy.co.nz for further information or complete this Referral Form so we can undertake an initial assessment. This form is important as it allows us to better understand a client’s needs and to determine if group therapy is the most appropriate option. Any information that you submit will go into our secure client management system.
