Dance Therapy NZ

16/07/2025

Sharing on behalf of the incredible Pelenakeke Brown and the SIBLINGS team!

🎭 SIBLINGS is a bold, genre-defying new work premiering at Te Pou Theatre, 24 - 28 July!
Created by and with Deaf and disabled communities, this show places access and whanaungatanga at its heart.

✨ Expect a relaxed performance environment, audio description for all shows, and NZSL interpretation at three performances.

💬 “We’re here to explore the nuance of agency and care within the messy universe of Siblings from the perspective of disability.” – Pelenakeke Brown, Director

🌟 Created over three years through talanoa, games and deep connection, SIBLINGS brings together four extraordinary Māori and Pacific artists in a constellation of sensation, memory, and care.

🎟️ Book now and be part of the audience shaping the future of Aotearoa theatre:

Siblings is a devised theatre featuring a cast of tāngata whaikaha/disabled performers exploring the bond between siblings. 24-28 July 2025.

12/07/2025

Our drop in therapy programmes are back from this week!

Our passionate team provides creative arts therapy to empower people in different situations including those living with disability and tamariki. They use their specialised training to support individuals and help them to process their thoughts and emotions in various ways to enhance a person’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Learn more about our programmes at https://www.dancetherapy.co.nz/dtnz-programmes

09/07/2025

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended our very first DTNZ Art & Dance Movement Therapy Networking Event!

It was a fantastic success, full of connection, creativity, and collaboration. We loved bringing together professionals passionate about the healing power of the arts and dance movement, and it was an amazing opportunity to strengthen our community.

If you’re a professional in the field and would like to learn more about DTNZ or get involved in our growing community network, we’d love to hear from you!

Email us at info@dancetherapy.co.nz.

07/07/2025

Help Us Share in $500,000 of Grants!

We’re in the running to receive a share of $500,000 through My Giving Circle but we need YOUR vote to make it happen! 🗳️

At DTNZ, we use dance and arts therapy to uplift and empower children, youth, and adults with disabilities, mental health challenges, and diverse backgrounds. Every vote gets us closer to reaching more communities through creativity and connection.

💙 It’s free and only takes a minute!

🗳️ Vote here: https://mygivingcircle.org/dance-and-arts-therapy-nz/vote
📅 Voting closes soon - don’t wait!

Let’s move together for impact. Thank you for supporting Dance & Arts Therapy! 💃🎨

Each year we give $500,000 in grants based on your votes

06/07/2025

We’re excited to share this beautiful video highlighting the heart of our work at Dance & Arts Therapy NZ!

From expressive movement to vibrant art-making, our programmes support mental health, connection, and creativity for communities across Aotearoa, including disabled communities, neurodivergent tamariki, those healing from trauma, and more.

This short documentary gives a glimpse into how dance and arts therapy can empower, uplift, and heal.

Supported by the NZ On Air Public Interest Journalism Fund and The Big Idea.

01/07/2025

Looking for fun, low-stress ways to support your child’s sensory needs these holidays? 🌈✨

Here are 4 easy, sensory-friendly activities to try at home, perfect for calming the nervous system, encouraging creativity, and making meaningful connections. 💛

From DIY sensory bins to nature walks with a movement twist, these ideas are simple, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming.

👇 Swipe through to explore and tag us in your holiday fun!

19/06/2025

✨🌟 Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori! 🌟✨

From all of us at DTNZ, we wish you and your whānau a joyful and peaceful Matariki. As the stars rise and a new year begins, we celebrate togetherness, reflection, and new beginnings.

Matariki is a time to pause, remember those who have passed, celebrate the present with those we love, and dream boldly for the future 💫

May this season bring hope, light, and inspiration to all. 🌌

18/06/2025

📢 Arts 4 Us South - Venue Change Alert! 🎨🚌

From tomorrow’s session onwards, Arts 4 Us South will now be held at:

📍 Whakapono Room, Randwick Park Community House
📍 137 Shifnal Drive, Randwick Park, Auckland 2105
🕞 Thursdays | 3.30 – 5.00pm

🗓 Term Dates:
T2: Last session 26 June
T3: 17 July - 11 September
T4: 9 October - 4 December

Please share this update with anyone attending the group. We look forward to welcoming you at the new space! 💚

28/05/2025

Dance 4 Us Mt Roskill – Meet the Team & Join the Fun! 🎉

Our amazing Mt Roskill team is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive, and empowering space for Tangata Whaikaha to connect, move, and express themselves through dance.

Led by the vibrant Nicole and supported by a fantastic crew, these sessions are designed to be welcoming, fun, and accessible to all.

📍 Where: Wesley Community Centre
🕥 When: Mondays | 10:00am – 11:00am

🗓 2025 Term Dates:
T2: 28 Apr – 23 Jun (No session on 2 Jun - King's Birthday)
T3: 14 Jul – 8 Sep
T4: 6 Oct – 8 Dec (No session on 27 Oct - Labour Day)

Come along and join a welcoming, creative space where everyone is free to dance their way - no experience needed, just bring your energy (and maybe a water bottle!).

26/05/2025

A huge heartfelt thank you to SkyCity Auckland Community Trust for their generous support of our programmes for Tangata Whaikaha, Rangatahi, and Tamariki with neurodiversity and sensory challenges💛

With your backing, we’re able to continue creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect through creativity and movement.

Your support helps us celebrate the strengths of every individual and we’re so grateful to have you alongside us on this journey. 🙌💃🧡

22/05/2025

Youth Week Spotlight: Elly Watson!
Meet Elly - our incredible Programmes Coordinator at Dance & Arts Therapy NZ! 💫

With a passion for creativity, self-expression, and supporting others, Elly brings energy, heart, and innovation to everything she does. From her roots as a makeup artist and scare actor to coordinating our therapy programmes, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.

💬 In her words:
"Give us a chance. Young people bring fresh ideas, creativity, and the drive to make meaningful change when empowered."

This Youth Week, we’re celebrating the leadership, courage, and voice of rangatahi like Elly – reminding decision-makers everywhere that taking a chance on young people is an opportunity, not a risk. 💥

📣 Elly's advice to her younger self?
"You’re never going to be perfect. Make mistakes, learn, grow and always ask for help when you need it." 🌱

19/05/2025