Dance Therapy NZ

09/04/2026

We had such a lovely time connecting and sharing what we do. It always means so much to see how this work resonates with others 💛 Wishing you all the best for what’s ahead, and we hope to keep in touch along the way.

We had the privilege of visiting a dance and art therapy provision here in Auckland for people with learning disabilities – and we are still smiling thinking about it. 💛

This wasn’t just about dance – it was about expression, confidence, and belonging. What struck us most was how inclusive and empowering they were.

The facilitators create such a safe, nurturing environment where everyone can shine in their own way.

It was a powerful reminder that communication doesn’t always need words. Through music and movement, people are able to express emotions, build relationships, and grow in confidence right in front of us.

Opportunities like this matter. They change lives. They remind us of the importance of inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.

We are feeling incredibly inspired and grateful to Bonnie and Chanri Dance Therapy NZ for hosting us.

04/04/2026

Happy Easter from all of us at DTNZ 🐣💛

A gentle reminder to move at your own pace this weekend - whether that’s connecting, resting, or simply taking a moment for yourself.

03/04/2026

01/04/2026

Dance 4 Us Youth is coming to Johnsonville!

A welcoming, inclusive space for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and connect through movement.

📍 Johnsonville Community Centre
🕥 Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30am
📅 Starting Term 2

Open to ages 15+ with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.
No experience needed - just come as you are.

👉 Register or learn more: https://www.dancetherapy.co.nz/dance-4-us-and-arts-4-all

31/03/2026

April Fools’ Day can be fun for some but we also know that jokes and surprises don’t always feel good or accessible for everyone.

For many of the people we work alongside, clear communication, consistency, and feeling safe are really important.

At DTNZ, we’re always mindful of creating spaces where everyone can feel comfortable, included, and supported 💛

However you’re spending today, we hope it’s filled with kindness, connection, and a bit of joy.

22/03/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the team at the Auckland Arts Festival for generously providing tickets for our students and therapists.

Experiences like this open the door for our community to connect with powerful live performance, creativity, and the joy of the arts.

It was incredibly special to share the magic of the festival together!

Ngā mihi nui to the Auckland Arts Festival for supporting inclusion and helping make the arts accessible for our community. 🎭✨

19/03/2026

In spaces like this, something deeper is happening.

Through sensory play and creative expression, tamariki are developing emotional regulation, confidence, and connection often without needing words.

These small, hands-on moments support big outcomes:

🌱 building trust
🌱 strengthening communication
🌱 nurturing a sense of belonging

This work is only possible because of the support of our funders and community partners, alongside our incredible tamariki who show up as their full selves and the creative art therapists who hold these spaces with such care. Ngā mihi nui to you all 💛

15/03/2026

Dance & Arts Therapy NZ is proud to support Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026.

Neurodiversity recognises that people experience and interact with the world in many different ways. There is no single “right” way for a brain to work.

Through our inclusive dance movement therapy and creative art therapy programmes, we aim to create spaces where tamariki, rangatahi, and adults of all abilities can express themselves through movement, build confidence, and connect with others.

While this week highlights the importance of understanding and celebrating neurodiversity, creating inclusive and supportive environments is something we are committed to every day.

We believe every body and every mind belongs in creative spaces. Through movement and the arts, we continue working toward a world where everyone can participate, express themselves, and thrive.

16/02/2026

Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at DTNZ!

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, we celebrate renewal, resilience, and the strength of community. May this year bring prosperity, joy, and meaningful connection for you and your whānau.

We are grateful for the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our programmes and inspires the work we do every day.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

09/02/2026

Proud Moves
Move, connect, and celebrate Pride together in this joyful, inclusive workshop.
No dance experience needed - just come as you are.

📍 Freemans Bay Community Centre
🗓 14 Feb
⏰ 9:30am
🎟 FREE (booking essential)

👉 Book your spot here:
https://aucklandpride.ssboxoffice.com/events/proud-moves/

Ngā uri e! 💖

22/01/2026

Throwback to 2016 📸✨
Digging through the archives and found these gems and wow, what a journey.

Did you know DTNZ has been around since 2013?
From our early days to now, our kaupapa has remained the same: championing creative therapies and using dance and art therapy to support wellbeing, inclusion, and connection across our communities.

These photos are a little blast from the past, but they remind us how far we’ve come and how much heart has always been at the centre of what we do. 💛