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Training: Teaching and Creating Dance for Neurodiverse Students

Édifice Wilder - Espace danse , Montréal

The National Centre for Dance Therapy offers a 9-hour training developed by Maï(g)wenn et les orteils. Maigween Desbois will guide participants through an in-depth exploration of pedagogical and creative approaches tailored for students from neurodiverse backgrounds.

This training is intended for dance professionals, teachers, facilitators, and artists who wish to adapt their practice to meet the needs of individuals with atypical cognitive or developmental profiles.

Tuesday, October 14 – Neurodiversity, Information Processing, and Environment

On this first day, we will explore the foundations of teaching dance to individuals with neurodivergent diagnoses.

We will focus on understanding different learning mechanisms among students with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (with or without intellectual disability), ADHD, dys disorders, or developmental delays in motor or language skills.

We’ll also see how meeting sensory needs is essential — it directly supports mental and physical well-being, improves environmental awareness, and increases readiness for learning.

We’ll emphasize the importance of visually structuring time and space to help foster a sense of trust and predictability, and discuss the role of routines in supporting memory and confidence.

Tuesday, October 21 – Class Content

This session focuses on practical tools for dance pedagogy.

We’ll learn to identify movements and exercises that promote learning and help students grasp the fundamentals of dance, including: comfort and sensory awakening, proprioception, crossing the midline, body awareness and schema, lateralization, spatial organization, touch, and “hand-over-hand” techniques.

Participants will also have the opportunity to physically experience the impact of sensory integration exercises, visual structures, and movement-based strategies. Finally, we will explore how using a compassionate and positive teaching approach can support student success and foster a sense of achievement for learners with diverse needs.

Tuesday, October 28 – Support Strategies and Creativity

This final session will focus on creativity and supportive structures.

We’ll explore strategies for supporting both individuals and groups in artistic creation and research contexts.

We will also discuss the practical aspects of developing dance projects such as choreographies, performances, flash mobs, dance videos, and more.

Registration

Space is limited. Please reserve your spot, and if you’re unable to attend, let us know so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.

Duration: 3 hours per session
Location: GB Studios, Wilder Building – Espace Danse, 1435 de Bleury, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2H7
Language: The workshop will be offered in French
Fees per workshop:
Early bird (until 15 days before the workshop):
$117,42 General public
$104,37 RQD members
Regular:
$121,77 General public
$113,07 RQD members