Dance Workshop: Teaching and Creating with Neurodiverse Students
The National Centre for Dance Therapy offers a 9-hour training program designed by Maï(g)wenn et les orteils.
Maïgwenn Desbois leads an in-depth exploration of pedagogical and creative approaches tailored to students from the neurodiverse community.
This training is intended for dance professionals, teachers, practitioners, or artists who wish to adapt their practice to the needs of clients with atypical profiles.
Tuesday, October 14 – Neurodiversity, Information Processing, and Environment
During this first session, we will cover the fundamentals of teaching dance to individuals with a neurodiversity diagnosis.
We will aim to understand the different learning mechanisms of students with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (with or without intellectual disability), ADHD, Dys disorders, or developmental delays (motor or language-related).
We will also explore how meeting sensory needs appropriately is essential — it directly supports mental and physical well-being, fosters awareness of the environment, and enhances readiness for learning.
We will emphasize the importance of visually structuring space and time to foster a sense of trust in students, as well as the role of routines, which help develop memory and a sense of competence.
Tuesday, October 21 – Class Content
This day will be dedicated to pedagogical practice in the dance classroom.
We will learn to identify movements and exercises that promote learning, understanding, and integration of dance fundamentals, such as: sensory comfort and awareness, proprioception, crossing the midline, body awareness and mapping, lateralization, spatial organization, touch, and “hand-over-hand” guidance.
We will also have the opportunity to physically experience the effects of these sensory awakening exercises, visual structuring, and movements that support sensory integration.
Finally, we will explore how adopting a caring and positive teaching approach can foster success and strengthen students’ sense of accomplishment when living with a difference.
Tuesday, October 28 – Support Strategies and Creativity
During this final session, we will focus on creativity and support methods.
We will discuss strategies and structures to implement, both for the individual and the group, within research and artistic creation contexts.
We will also address the practical realization of dance projects, such as: choreographies, performances, flash mobs, and dance videos.
Registration
A limited number of participants will be accepted.
Please reserve your spot, and if you are unable to attend, let us know so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
Duration: 3 hours per workshop
Address: Studios GB, Édifice Wilder Espace Danse, 1435 de Bleury, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2H7
Language: The workshop will be offered in French
Cost per workshop:
Pre-sale (up to 15 days before the workshop)
$117.42 General public
$104.37 RQD members
Regular
$121.77 General public
$113.07 RQD members
