The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation
Formation and Purposes of the Foundation
Johanna (Hanny) Exiner was one of the great influences in the development of dance-movement therapy in Australia. Many of those who worked in the field in Australia learnt from Hanny not only many valuable skills and insights about dance as therapy but also, most essentially, about the nature of dance itself. In 1997, when she opened the Dance Therapy Conference, she spoke of her implicit beliefs in the aesthetic experience of dance itself as a powerful and healing tool. Hanny's life and work were honoured in a special edition of 'Moving On', the DTAA journal, in September 2008.
The National Library of Australia's Australia Dance Collection has more information about Hanny Exiner here.
The Hanny Exiner Fund was established in 2001. Its existence is due to the vision of Hanny's late husband, Bob, and the generosity and interest of their sons, Ron and Jess Exiner. The Fund is now a Foundation whose major purpose is to provide financial assistance for people undertaking research in the field of Dance-Movement Therapy. It also aims to encourage a broader range of research and to increase understanding of Dance-Movement Therapy methodology and its effects.
Trustee – Dance-Movement Therapy Association of Australia (DTAA)
Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Research Grants
The Foundation's funds are invested so that from time to time it offers small grants for research in dance-movement therapy. Grants are made for research, or discrete projects that contribute towards research, that are assessed to advance the field of dance-movement therapy and the quality of practice. Small projects that can contribute to future larger studies are also considered relevant for consideration. The findings of research projects funded by HEMF are reported in 'Moving On', the DTAA Quarterly journal and on this website.
HEMF recognises that the advancement of the profession requires that research be undertaken and reported on. The awarding of the grants is as much to provide public encouragement and recognition of this work as financial assistance. Reports from the research are published in Moving On, the DTAA's journal, and on their website.
2012 HEMF Research Grants now open
The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation is now inviting applications for grants from persons in Australia intending to or currently conducting projects that could advance the field of dance-movement therapy through evaluation, research and quality assurance activities. The grants could be used to 'seed' initial investigation and enquiry into the field or provide some support for more developed research projects. The findings from these projects will enhance the understanding, quality and practice of dance-movement therapy. Small projects that can contribute to future larger studies are eligible.
The Foundation is able to offer up two grants of up to $2,000 each in 2012.
All projects are to:
- be from applicants who are students or practitioners in the field of dance therapy, or working towards the development of dance-movement therapy, in Australia, whether or not they are members of the Dance-Movement Therapy Association of Australia,
- be conducted in Australia,
- be carried out into the use of Dance-Movement Therapy, or relating to it, (e.g. it could be into the use of music for dance-movement therapy) to contribute to its unique knowledge-base,
- contribute to the understanding and further development of the practice of Dance-Movement Therapy in Australia: to broaden the understanding of its effects.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Potential applicants are encouraged to email or phone if they have any questions about the suitability of their proposed project.
Please email dtaa@alphalink.com.au or phone Naomi Aitchison at 03 9878 1602 before 10 April and after 21 May 2012
or Heather Hill on 03 9730 1248 between 11 April and 20 May.
More information including grant criteria | Application form 2012
Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Annual Achievement Award
The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation presents an annual award, the Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Achievement Award, to recognise a new, significant piece of writing or other contribution that advances the field of dance-movement therapy or exceptional service to the profession.
The award is decided by the HEMF Committee on the basis of an annual review of contributions to the DTAA journal Moving On and/or in consideration of recommendations from members of the dance movement therapy community.
The award comprises a gift and citation and is presented at the Dance-Movement Therapy Association of Australia's Annual General Meeting.
2011
The Foundation is delighted to announce that the recipient of the Annual Achievement Award for 2010/2011 is Mary Builth. She is known and loved by many, many members of the dance-movement therapy community as well as all the people who have been fortunate enough to be her students and clients. Mary was unable to leave her home in South Australia due to the ill health of her husband, Bill, so the award was not made to her in person. This was the first time that a recipient has not received the award in the presence of their colleagues and friends. However the citation for Mary's award was read to the attendees at the DTAA's A.G.M., on 5 November 2011, where she was acknowledged by all who know her as a person most worthy to receive it. The citation follows.
Dear Mary,
The members of the Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Managing Committee are delighted to select you as the recipient of the Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Annual Achievement Award for 2010/2011. This is in recognition of your inimitable contributions to the field of dance-movement therapy in Australia. Please accept our congratulations. As one of the 'grandmothers' of dance-movement therapy we honour your long-term enrichment of the profession.
We recognise that yours is a beautifully unique and powerful approach to healing, teaching and nurturing, not only of students of dance movement therapy but also of the hundreds of clients to whom you've brought joy, a love of living and discoveries about themselves and the world they live in. Being in your presence and experiencing what you bring to your work has been an inspiration to all of us who know you. As with all the best teachers and healers, you have always opened yourself up to newfound teachings and deepened your understanding of the beauty and wonder of human beings and our world. And you have found ways to incorporate these into your work which keeps alive the thrill and wonder of what you do.
We welcome you as totally deserving to be the latest in the growing list of wonderful people who have already been recipients of this award. May you keep dancing on for many years to come.
Yours faithfully,
Naomi Aitchison (on behalf of the Foundation's members)
Donations
The Foundation invites all interested persons to make donations in order to generate more funds to support research and dissemination of the research findings. Donations should be addressed to The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation and sent to:
H.E.M.F., C/O DTAA
P.O. Box 641, Carlton South,
Victoria 3053
Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Managing Committee
Naomi Aitchison, retired (previously dance therapist and dance educator)
Dianne Albiston, Clinical Program Manager at ORYGEN Youth Health
Ron Exiner, Company Director
Jill Groom, retired
Jane Guthrie, DMT and physiotherapist, Royal Freemason's Homes Victoria, and private practice
Dr. John Lloyd, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, Royal Melbourne Hospital
Phyllis Lloyd, Medical Practice Manager
Enquiries:
Naomi Aitchison: (03) 9878 1602 or
email: dtaa@alphalink.com.au