We are delighted to see our funding and resources are helping Renee Manning to pursue a Diploma of Dance Movement Therapy through Dance Therapy Training Aotearoa, and completing placements through Dance and Arts Therapy New Zealand (DTNZ).
1. Tell us a bit more about yourself?
I am a specialist music teacher at Patricia Avenue Special School in Hamilton, teaching class music to students aged 5-21years. I have been working as a music teacher in the primary and intermediate schools in Aotearoa and overseas for over 20 years and feel privileged to share in music making with so many wonderful students. In recent years I have been exploring the benefits of implementing dance and movement programmes in our school.
2. What are you doing?
I am completing a Diploma of Dance Movement Therapy through Dance Therapy Training Aotearoa, and completing placements through Dance and Arts Therapy New Zealand (DTNZ). DTNZ is a registered charitable trust that provides mental health and disability services. They support and empower vulnerable individuals and groups through the use of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). They have a particular focus on those with disabilities and special needs but also work with at-risk tamariki and people of all ages.
3. What inspired you to do what you’re doing?
In 2019/2020 I was involved in a Teacher Led Innovation Project inquiring into dance as a way to promote student engagement and well-being. The findings of our study not only demonstrated improved student outcomes but also led to personal and professional benefits for teachers and learning support assistants.
Staff noticed the value of the dance sessions in promoting wellbeing, not just for their students but also for themselves, reflecting on their enhanced mood, self-confidence and delight in dancing with their students. Regular comments were made about dance being their favourite part of the week and that it made them feel great! They also noticed how dancing with their students’ created opportunities for positive interactions, increasing opportunities for student agency and ultimately empowering them as learners.
4. Why did you choose to focus on this topic?
My experience with this inquiry is what has led me to study Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). Although I didn’t realise it at the time, the Innovation Project was the beginning of DMT in our school, enhancing the social, physical, cognitive, cultural and emotional functioning of our staff and students. DMT is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote health and well-being. It is a fast growing therapeutic intervention in New Zealand and is used in community settings, schools and for ACC sensitive claims.
5. What made you decide to apply for an HealthCarePlus Grant for Good? (where did you hear about it)
I heard about HealthCarePlus Grants for Good through my union, NZEI. I thought that my area of study aligned really well with their focus on wellbeing in education.
6. How was your experience in Appling for the grant?
My experience has been straight forward. The website has clear information and the application process is easy to navigate. Communication throughout the whole process has also been excellent!
7. How has funding from HealthCarePlus helped?
The grant covered the full amount of my course fees which is amazing.
8. What does this grant mean to you?
I am really appreciative of the financial support. Gaining the grant also acknowledges the importance of this area of work and its potential to support wellbeing in our schools.
9. What would you say to others considering but hesitant in applying for a grant?
Do it! You have nothing to lose. I also found that the application process helped me to clarify my goals for the future, during study and beyond.
10. What advice would you give to future Grants for Good applicants?
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete the application. Find someone to support you in the process of organising your ideas.
11. What are you hoping to achieve?
The diploma of Dance Movement Therapy is a practical, and experience-based course which will help me fine tune my group facilitation skills. I will be able to provide programmes that promote group cohesion, cooperation, and coordination. The main change in my work practices that I expect to see as a result of this study, will be my ability to improve wellbeing, self-esteem, social and communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal) and to support people with disabilities to ensure they feel connected.
12. In what way will your course help make a positive impact on others?
Dance Movement Therapy supports wellbeing by creating a sense of self through the interconnection of our minds and bodies. Combined with the use of music, it creates group awareness and empathy for others, developing connections, strengthening communication and relationships. It’s focus on positive self-expression and body awareness can help us all to thrive and feel well in our bodies and minds. I firmly believe that programmes in Dance Movement Therapy in schools and in the community will have a positive impact on the advancement of health and well-being in education and the wider community.
If you are interested and want to know more this year's Grants for Good and how to apply for one then click below.
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