Dance Therapy Association of Australia

Training Information

Dance movement therapy training programs in Australia


Victoria:

IDTIA: International Dance Therapy Institute of Australia, Melbourne

The International Dance Therapy Institute of Australia has trained dance therapists since 1989 and runs courses at Introductory, Certificate and Advanced Diploma levels. The Teaching Faculty, all experienced professional dance therapists and teachers currently practising in their respective fields, are graduates of the IDTIA Advanced Diploma programme who received their training from American dance therapist and International educator, Dr Marcia Leventhal PhD CMA ADTR.

The Advanced Diploma in Dance Therapy is a part-time coursework, fieldwork and supervision programme run over three years which has an optional exit point at the end of the first year of study.  Students exiting after successfully completing  one year of study are awarded the Certificate in Dance Therapy and can apply to DTAA for associate membership.

The one-year Certificate training is highly experiential, supported by theoretical teaching and practicum. It comprises 180 hours of direct training hours, supplemented by the dyad movement observation project (20 hours) and the dance therapy practice project (20 hours) to learn from experienced dance therapists and begin to contribute under their supervision. The course is structured into six intensive week-end training modules and evening tutorials which include: Dance movement processes, History of dance therapy as a healing art, Creative processes and group processes, Human development related to movement studies, Theoretical frameworks and healing modalities, and Therapeutic application. Training is in three major areas: personal movement experience - to understand the power of dance in contributing to growth and change; theoretic/conceptual including relevant developmental, humanistic and psycho-dynamic frameworks; and application of dance to populations with therapeutic needs. There is provision for interstate students through the module system and interstate tutors.

Successful completion of the IDTIA Certificate can lead on to the two year Diploma in Dance Therapy which includes 84 hours of direct training, supplemented with the peer run study group meetings (12 hours), the additional dyad movement observation project (20 hours) and 180 hours fieldwork with regular supervision provided by experienced dance therapists currently practising in the field. At Diploma level trainees are conducting their own dance therapy programs and, on award of the Advanced Diploma, can apply to DTAA for professional membership.

The Institute is also developing an Alumni program for IDTIA graduates with Advanced short courses, including training facilitated by IDTIA Founding Director of Training, Dr. Marcia Leventhal.

Attendance at an Introduction to Dance Therapy workshop is expected for selection and orientation. For information about introductory workshop and application forms, please ring IDTIA's Administrator: Michele Braban (03) 9578 7109 or Email
International Dance Therapy Institute of Australia, PO Box 274, Elsternwick Vic 3185
www.idtia.org.au


NSW:

Wesley Institute, Sydney

Wesley Institute, Sydney, has closed down its dance-movement therapy program as of 2011.


Training overseas

A comprehensive list of dance therapy training programs is available from the ADTA website

New York, USA
MA Dance & Somatic Well-Being: Connections to the Living Body
Connections to the Living Body is a unique visionary and pioneering program offering a professional training in Dance & Somatic Movement Education. The program is on the cutting edge of contemporary international practice, exploring the creative skills required to practice with ingenuity, individuality, insight and sensitivity. All sessions are taught in the spirit of self-discovery, non-judgment and self-reflexivity. The course is facilitated through open-ended processes of self-discovery and sensory-imaginal heart-centred educative models.
Course webpage
Download brochure

University of Central Lancashire
School of Creative & Performing Arts
Preston PRI 2HE UK
Phone: 0044 (0)1772 201201 ext 5349
Email: acwilliamson@uclan.ac.uk
The International Somatic Movement Education Therapy Association

Scotland
MSc in Dance Movement Psychotherapy
School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland

Introduction to Dance Movement Psychotherapy
Introduction to Drama Therapy
The MSc in Dance Movement Psychotherapy is an exciting new programme that offers licence to practice. Further information relating to this programme can be found on this page, along with downloadable application forms.

Introductory short courses to Dance Movement Psychotherapy and Dramatherapy are also available for CPD purposes. For further information relating to these programmes, along with downloadable applications forms, please visit this page.

Spain
Dance of Life® & Dance Therapy Training Program
Petra Klein and the Jardín Mariposa Team
International Institute for Dance Therapy, IIDT
Jardín Mariposa, Tenerife, España
info@Jardin-Mariposa.com
www.dancetherapy.com
www.Jardin-Mariposa.com
www.Garden-of-Life.net
www.Petra-Klein.com