Dance for Connection

05/29/2026

MD
A part-time position for Day Program Activities Assistant Engaged Living - Part Time | Ingleside at King Farm.

A dance therapist on staff would be a dream come true. We want and need more movement-based therapy!!

05/26/2026

Polyvagal Institute is not just another place to learn about Polyvagal Theory—we are its founding home. Our co-founders include Dr. Stephen Porges, PhD, who developed the theory, and Deb Dana, LCSW, who brought it into clinical practice, ensuring our work is grounded in the original science and its real-world application.

What that means for our community of global learners:
• Direct access to source-based knowledge
• The most accurate, up-to-date education on Polyvagal Theory and the vagus nerve
• Educational offerings shaped by the theory’s originators and leading practitioners
• A global network committed to integrity, depth, and ongoing discovery

As interest in the nervous system and vagus nerve continues to expand, we remain dedicated to offering education that is not only accessible—but precise, nuanced, and deeply informed.

This is where the work began—and where it continues to evolve.
Come explore our courses, trainings and events at polyvagal.org

05/23/2026

I have been taking a Dance Improv class where some of us have been dancing together as long as 20+ years, initially taught by Joan Green. In the past bunch of years we've had other wonderful teachers, including J Michael Winward and Gabriel Orcha. For the past year, some of the dancers have stepped up to teach one another, bringing an amazing richness and variety as well as music to what we teach. As several of the dancers have agreed, " Our dances have become more interesting." "We've danced ourselves onto a new, deeper level of connection that's transformed us in so many positive ways." "I think each teacher brings something unique to the classes and that enhances our sensing and listening skills as well as brings more authenticity and meaning to our dances."

This past week, I taught. Among the musical choices I offered was "What Pain Taught Me" by Benny Rivers. As a dance/movement therapist, it should come as no surprise that I dance to express and transform suffering.

We have decided to open our class to experienced improvisers this summer. It's fine if you haven't danced for years. We meet on Wednesday afternoons, 1:30 to 3:30 at The Arlington Center. Message me if you'd like to join us.

05/23/2026

This says it all - well, almost all. Included in that top tier, should be vitality. It is possible and probable in my groups. May 26 will be next Memory Café, this one in Needham. https://danceforconnection.com/upcoming-events/2019/8/2/jfampcs-memory-caf-ywfsr-8er9p-ew3w2-wwf7l-5n4zx-6xcrm-xpdlt-msb8r

Also, Wednesday, May 27 in Norfolk. https://danceforconnection.com/upcoming-events/z4wgbfnccphezhe-wz44t-987af-ynf78-e7kmf

05/07/2026

Today I'd like to share 2 testimonials that I received today in response to trainings I've led. The first is from someone who took my most recent training:

Donna’s “Bringing Dance to People with Dementia” was a deeply educational and enjoyable way to spend a weekend. After a lifetime of healing, teaching, and creative movement, Donna has arrived at a perfect balance of theory, creative practice, and experiential learning. As students we listened, contemplated, danced, and most importantly, on both days we brought creative movement to people with dementia—laughing, singing, and playing fun games—we got to know each other through movement and to consider the profound value of the practice. ~Dr. Donna Davenport, Professor of Dance, RYT-500

The 2nd is from Activities Assistant Linda Price who took my training 16 years ago: "Such an incredible woman. Such passion. Thank you. Donna Newman-Bluestein I am so blessed and beyond grateful for your teaching. An experience I will never forget. So much knowledge. Your teaching was such a blessing to me I so appreciate you."

A deep thank you to both.

Send a message to learn more

04/23/2026

Gotta be more whimsical. Good advice, isn't it?

04/15/2026

Lynnfield, MA.

Looking for a clinician to work with older adults in the community, office, and through telehealth. The job is not expressive therapies specific but they would love to have an expressive therapist and there is the opportunity for on site supervision with an ATR-BC.

This job works with older adults through a partnership with Mystic Valley Elder Services. Open to masters level and independently licensed clinicians. Must have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable personal vehicle. Full details are available on the job posting.

https://jobs.silkroad.com/RiversideCC/Careers/jobs/12039

Send a message to learn more

04/14/2026

An Assisted Living in Newton, MA is looking for a full-time Dance Movement or Expressive Therapist to join us at the collaborative team of other expressive therapists in a unique mission rare with this population.

Looking for likely Tuesday- Saturday schedule but open to hiring two part-time folks as well!

If interested, let me know and I will pass your information along to Kasey Larsen.

Send a message to learn more

04/11/2026