Dancing Dialogue

Dancing Dialogue A multi-disciplinary, embodied, creative arts psychotherapy practice with locations in New York City and Cold Spring, NY

Dancing Dialogue LCAT LMHC PLLC is a creative arts and embodied psychotherapy practice with offices in New York City and Cold Spring, NY. We also provide training and continuing education for mental health care providers interested in increasing their knowledge of embodied, creative, and movement-based psychotherapy. Dr. Tortora is a board certified dance movement therapist, Laban Nonverbal Movement Analyst, and specialist in the field of infancy mental health and development. Her expertise in early childhood development and the importance of early relationships inform her psychotherapeutic work across the life span. Dr. Tortora has a private dance movement psychotherapy practice, in New York City and Cold Spring-on-the-Hudson, New York. Dr. Tortora offers training programs and lectures about her dance therapy and nonverbal video analysis work with infants, children and families, at national and international professional meetings and universities. She is on the board of the New York Zero-to-Three Network. Dr Tortora has been featured on “Good Morning America” and Eyewitness Five-O’Clock News, WABC –TV; Women’s Day magazine; highlighted in Malcolm Gladwell's New Yorker article and book titled What the Dog Saw and other adventures; has published numerous papers about her therapeutic and nonverbal communication analysis work with children, parent-infant dyads, and Autism Spectrum Disorders; has twice been guest editor of the Zero to Three Journal; and has a book with Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company titled The Dancing Dialogue: Using the Communicative Power of Movement with Young Children. Dr. Tortora graduated with honors from the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development Tufts University specializing in child development, education and psychology; received her dance movement therapy masters degree at New York University; and her doctorate with a specialization in infancy/early childhood development, psychology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has done extensive study and training in the field of infancy and early childhood research, development, education, communication and intervention through the Zero to Three Institute and Dr. Stanley Greenspan. She has studied Authentic Movement with Janet Adler & Body-Mind Centering with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. Dr Tortora is also a certified Laban Movement Analyst, and Kestenberg Movement Profiler.

Our bodies tell a story, often long before we find the words.We're excited to share the latest research from our founder...
06/30/2025

Our bodies tell a story, often long before we find the words.

We're excited to share the latest research from our founder, Suzi Tortora, on how a parent’s body — their posture, gestures, even the way they hold themselves — can shift as they begin to heal from trauma and connect more deeply with their child.

If you’ve ever wondered how your own experiences might shape the way you connect with your little one, this research might offer some insight.

You can read the full article here:

IntroductionThis study aims to examine what a form of video-based analysis of nonverbal communication: “Dyadic Attachment-based Nonverbal Communicative Expre...

From the very beginning of life, children use their bodies to connect— with a glance, a reach, a shift in posture.Before...
05/21/2025

From the very beginning of life, children use their bodies to connect— with a glance, a reach, a shift in posture.

Before they have words, they’re already forming relationships using non-verbal communication.

In my work with infants, young children, and families, I’ve seen how movement tells us what a child is feeling, what they need, and how safe they feel.

When adults learn to observe these cues with care and curiosity, they open the door to deeper connection, co-regulation, and developmental support.

On June 8, I’ll be sharing more about this approach in my webinar:
The Dancing Dialogue: Supporting Infants, Young Children, and Families Using the Embodied Parenting Dance/Movement Therapy Method

🗓️ 8:00–9:30 AM EDT
🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6hwvvs

A child’s body tells us what they need before they can use words to communicate. Through posture, tone, eye gaze, and ge...
05/09/2025

A child’s body tells us what they need before they can use words to communicate.

Through posture, tone, eye gaze, and gesture, infants and young children are constantly communicating how they feel and how connected they feel to those around them.

Embodied Parenting invites us to shift our focus from what children say to how they move — reading the body like a conversation.

When caregivers and professionals notice these movement cues and respond with attunement, they help the child’s nervous system settle, build secure attachment, and support the development of self-regulation, problem-solving, and social connection.

To learn more join me on June 8th for an online workshop — "The Dancing Dialogue: Supporting Infants, Young Children and Families Using the Embodied Parenting Dance/Movement Therapy Method"

Register

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📣 Upcoming Webinar: "The Dancing Dialogue: Supporting Infants, Young Children, and Families Using the Embodied Parenting...
05/06/2025

📣 Upcoming Webinar: "The Dancing Dialogue: Supporting Infants, Young Children, and Families Using the Embodied Parenting Dance/Movement Therapy Method"

Join Dr. Suzi Tortora, Ed.D. for an insightful session on June 8, 2025, from 8:00–9:30 AM EST.

Dr. Tortora will delve into her Embodied Parenting method, highlighting how nonverbal communication through movement, facial expressions, and vocalizations can foster secure attachments and support early development.

This webinar is part of the Hong Kong Dance Movement Therapy Association's Post-Conference Professional Webinar Series.

🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/25w2xvb9

Happy Birthday to the wonderful Lasha!  Your kindness, attention to detail, and steady support make such a difference ev...
05/05/2025

Happy Birthday to the wonderful Lasha!
Your kindness, attention to detail, and steady support make such a difference every day. We’re so grateful for all you do and hope this year brings you joy, growth, and moments that make you feel as appreciated as you truly are! 🎁🎂🎉🥳

We’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Sterling, MS, R-DMT, LCAT, SEP, to the Dancing Dialogue team! Jennifer is a Licensed ...
04/29/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Sterling, MS, R-DMT, LCAT, SEP, to the Dancing Dialogue team! Jennifer is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Registered Dance/Movement Therapist, and Holistic Nutritionist. She brings a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to healing, integrating modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Her work supports clients navigating trauma, racial identity, anxiety, depression, and more, blending creative expression and somatic practices to foster emotional regulation and self-connection.

Jennifer will be practicing in our Cold Spring, NY office. Her presence enriches our commitment to holistic, expressive arts therapies. Join us in giving her a warm welcome!​

📸✨ Fresh Faces, Same Heart ✨📸We’re so excited to share our brand new headshots—captured beautifully by the talented  !Th...
04/25/2025

📸✨ Fresh Faces, Same Heart ✨📸
We’re so excited to share our brand new headshots—captured beautifully by the talented !

These portraits reflect not only the faces behind Dancing Dialogue, but the spirit of creativity, compassion, and connection that drives our work every day.

A huge thank you to Erin for making us feel so comfortable and seen through your lens. Your artistry brought out our essence in every frame.

Stay tuned as we update our website and share more behind-the-scenes moments from our shoot!

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the simple pleasures that can bring us genuine happiness. A recent articl...
04/24/2025

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the simple pleasures that can bring us genuine happiness. A recent article from Yahoo Lifestyle reminds us that embracing small, everyday joys can significantly boost our well-being. ​

Here are some delightful ways to infuse your day with positivity:

✨ Aromatherapy: Scents like lavender and peppermint can soothe your mind and elevate your mood.​

📖 Gratitude Journaling: Taking a moment to jot down things you're thankful for can shift your perspective and enhance your happiness.​
AOL

🎶 Uplifting Music: Listening to your favorite tunes can reduce stress and bring a smile to your face.​

🌿 Nature Indoors: Adding plants or natural elements to your home can create a calming environment.​

📵 Digital Detox: Unplugging from screens, even briefly, allows you to reconnect with the present moment.​

Remember, happiness often lies in the little things. Take a moment today to savor a small joy—it might just make your day brighter. 🌈

📚🌍 Happy World Book Day from Dancing Dialogue! 🌍📚Today, we celebrate the stories that move us—on the page and in our bod...
04/23/2025

📚🌍 Happy World Book Day from Dancing Dialogue! 🌍📚

Today, we celebrate the stories that move us—on the page and in our bodies. From picture books that ignite imagination to powerful memoirs that inspire healing, books offer a kind of movement all their own. They invite us to step into new worlds, explore big feelings, and connect with each other in meaningful ways.

Whether you're cozying up with a favorite childhood classic or discovering a new voice that resonates, take a moment today to honor the power of the written word. Let it stir your heart, your creativity, and maybe even your feet. 💃📖

✨ What book has moved you lately? Share with us below! ⬇️

This Sunday! Join Dancing Dialogue and  at the  for an amazing dance performance/ continuing education opportunity. See ...
04/22/2025

This Sunday! Join Dancing Dialogue and at the for an amazing dance performance/ continuing education opportunity. See a performance from the Born Dancing company that includes both disabled and able bodied dancers, which will be followed by a lecture presented by Lisa Clementi, MS, BC-DMT, LCAT and Melissa van Wijk about inclusion, accommodation, and advocacy in dance/movement therapy. New York State s, s, s and s receive 3 in-person credits for attending. Registration is open to the public. Full-time students, not seeking can save 25% by using the code STUDENTDMTCE at checkout. To learn more or to register visit: https://dancingdialogue.com/shop/p/disability-inclusion-dmt-pratt-2025

Can you spot the real parakeet among the masterpieces? 👀🐦 Our art therapy session turned into a full-on flock of creativ...
04/15/2025

Can you spot the real parakeet among the masterpieces? 👀🐦 Our art therapy session turned into a full-on flock of creativity — one of them just happens to chirp back! 🎨✨

We’re proud to share that Suzi recently taught two seminars in the international DMT diploma program, working with Year ...
04/11/2025

We’re proud to share that Suzi recently taught two seminars in the international DMT diploma program, working with Year 2 students who are deepening their skills in individual clinical work.

Drawing students from across the globe—New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, the UK, Thailand, Dubai, and the USA—the training focused on individual DMT with both children and adults. Suzi’s teaching supported students in linking assessment to treatment planning, goal setting, and clinical decision-making.

We’re grateful for the knowledge and care she brought to the space, and for her ongoing commitment to the development of thoughtful, embodied practitioners.

Address

1806 Route 9D, Suite 1
Cold Spring, NY
10516

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