Welcome to Therapeutic Dance/Movement in Richmond
Vancouver Academy of Dance is proud to announce our new Therapeutic Dance/Movement classes in Richmond. These classes use an array of specialised movements to support growth, development and integration of an individual’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive well-being.
About Therapeutic D/M Practitioner Stefanie Tong
Stefanie Tong
Stefanie has over 10 years of experience as a registered early childhood educator and dance choreographer with experience working in the non-profit, public health and private practice sectors. It is her joy to help children learn the mind-body connection and support emotional regulation through an individual’s innate sense of movement. By guiding alongside parents and caregivers, she supports adults by empowering them with personalised strategies catered to each child's unique needs. Stefanie has partnered with families to support early childhood mental health, developmental differences, depression, anxiety, postpartum care and maternal mental health.
By discovering together what is beneath a child's behaviour, Stefanie helps families form connections and understanding for one another. She values a collaborative and integrated approach by working with a child's extended network of adults, including their caregivers, teachers and health professionals.
Stefanie considers it a privilege to serve your family as you dance through the early years with your children.
Stefanie Tong’s Professional Affiliations:
Therapeutic Dance/Movement Classes & Schedule
Baby & Me (Ages: Pre-Walking)
Wednesdays 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Bond with your baby through the innate rhythms of connection. Experience movement invitations focused on postpartum wellness and soothing patterns for both you and baby. Gentle movements and songs will be utilized to foster the caregiver-child relationship.
Clearance from your primary care provider is required before participating in this class.
One caregiver MUST attend per child.
Toddler & Me (Ages: Walking - 2 years)
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Bond with your child through movement games, activities and stories. Gain movement repertoire to help support your toddler's social-emotional development. Explore dance/movement invitations to foster connection and non-verbal communication with your child.
Caregiver participation is required.
Preschoolers (Ages: 3 - 5 years)
Wednesdays 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Learn to explore feelings in this introduction to the mind-body connection. Emotional regulation and mindfulness techniques will be experienced through dance/movement facilitation and activities. Children will gain skills in self-awareness, emotional expression and empathy.
Children must be group-ready and be able to participate individually.
Children (Ages: 6 - 8 years)
Thursdays 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Learn to explore feelings with the mind-body connection. Emotional regulation and mindfulness techniques will be experienced through dance/movement facilitation and activities. Children will gain skills in self-awareness, emotional expression and empathy.
Individual Sessions (All Ages)
An individual session is a process through which clients work one-on-one with a therapeutic dance/movement practitioner in a safe, caring and confidential environment to explore emotions through the body. The sessions are designed around the client's unique needs and personal goals.
Please contact tdm@vancouverdance.com for more info, or to book an individual session.
*Your child may qualify for funding from Variety Children's Charity, CKNW Kids' Fund or the BC Autism Funding Program.
How is Therapeutic Dance/Movement Different Than a Typical Dance Class?
Therapeutic Dance/Movement focuses on the process of movement and the body's innate sense to move in response to internal and external environments. While dance classes focus on dance skill, Therapeutic Dance/Movement focuses on the mind-body connection through an individual’s emotions. All sessions are documented and confidential.
What Does a Therapeutic Dance/Movement Practitioner Do?
Therapeutic Dance/Movement practitioners focus on helping their clients improve: self-esteem and body image, develop effective communication skills and relationships, expand their movement vocabulary, gain insight into patterns of behaviour as well as create new options for coping with problems.
What Does a Therapeutic Dance/Movement Session Look Like?
Every session is unique and is tailored to the needs and abilities of the participant(s). The use of an extensive range of Therapeutic Dance/Movement techniques allows for a wide variety of movement activities. Therapeutic Dance/Movement characteristics— from subtle and everyday movement behaviours, to expressive and improvisational dancing can occur.
Within a Therapeutic Dance/Movement session, invitations to movement will be facilitated by the practitioner and group or individual goals will be explored through a process of inquiry. A typical session includes a Therapeutic Dance/Movement practitioner moving alongside participants in a guided process which can include games, movement props, music, books, storytelling and more.
What Issues Can Therapeutic Dance/Movement Support?
Therapeutic dance/movement is effective for individuals with development, medical, social, physical and psychological differences. Some areas therapeutic dance/movement serves as an intervention for:
Anxiety
Trauma
Mobility
Self-Esteem
Grief and Loss
Depression and Low Mood
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Where Can I Learn More About Therapeutic Dance/Movement and Evidence-Based Practices?
