This practice-based workshop introduces participants to a range of practical activities which aim to heighten awareness of facilitative approaches to teaching and effective strategies for managing mental health and wellbeing. The workshop will challenge participants to think and engage in activities which explore the development of supportive learning and teaching practices in public and private dance teaching contexts. The workshop will focus on somatic movement education/therapy tasks that are accessible to a wide range of students.

Aims

The aims of this live stream workshop are to:

• Explore ways of working and ideas through practical activities using somatic movement education/therapy approaches to assist in managing wellbeing and mindfulness. Identify this approach and highlight some of the challenges, to include consideration of inclusion and differentiation.

• Equip participants with the basic knowledge and understanding with a series of accessible, creative, practical tasks to explore wellbeing and mindfulness using movement, drawing and writing.

• Reflective discussion and application to teaching practice and self-care as a practitioner.

The purpose of these activities is to equip and challenge participants to think about how to support students and staff in their wellbeing and mental health.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the live stream workshop you will:

• Have an understanding of how to approach, facilitate and support wellbeing.

• Be more confident in embedding inclusive approaches and somatic practices in your teaching.

• Have experienced a range of ‘tried and tested’ activities suitable for various learner groups.

• Have discussed with other participants how somatic practices could be developed within your specific dance teaching contexts.

Tutor

Suzanne Astley AISTD, LBBO, DIP Arts, BA Hons, QTS, MA

Suzanne is a Somatic Movement Therapist and Dance Artist. Her teaching career spans 30 years and she has developed her expertise through work in community settings, primary and secondary education, Further and Higher Education. Up until very recently, Suzanne was a Lecturer in Dance and offered student support for disability, mental health and wellbeing at the Royal Academy of Dance. She continues to support the mental health and wellbeing of NHS health workers and pupils in schools. She is a lead artist with Pioneer Projects in Yorkshire, Neuro Drop-in Centre, Lancaster and Parkinson’s UK, supporting and facilitating projects with people living with dementia, Parkinson's and other neurological conditions. Suzanne has been involved in innovative projects such as Bridging the Gap, Pioneer Projects, and Mindful Movement; leading workshops to train care home activity workers.

CPD Hours

3 hours Time-Valued CPD