Dance Movement Therapy Certificate
Dance Movement Therapy for Health of Aging Populations Certificate
This innovative, professional development program offers individuals the opportunity to learn foundational dance therapy theory and introductory movement analysis. Students will develop skill sets to facilitate expressive, therapeutic group dance sessions, which promote health, build community, and nurture creativity with older adult populations. Courses include specialization in working with older adults living with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, as well as a course for working with family caregivers.
The 200-hours of instruction will be mostly through remote learning, along with a 4-day in-person intensive on the Canadian Prairies – location dependent on registration. Instructors will share their knowledge through engaged lectures, embodied experiences, collaborative discussion, and intermodal exploration of the creative arts therapies. Skills can be applied in settings such as long-term care, community recreation settings, and day programs. There is no formal practicum.
We invite applications from therapists, facilitators working in health care and recreation, and dance artists wishing to apply their movement skills in health-promotion. Prior movement/dance experience is required. Please reach out for a conversation on the offering. We look forward to sharing the power of movement in caring.
Graduates of this program can join the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association as practitioners. Students in the certificate can ladder into our Expressive Arts Therapy and Dual Art and Expressive Arts Therapy Diploma programs if they wish to become therapists.
For more information about our Dance Movement Therapy training, contact WHEAT Institute at info@wheatinstitute.com or register here. A copy of our course of study schedule and fee schedule is available upon request.
Application Deadline
There are a limited number of seats available and spots will be reserved as applications are received. Applications will close September 14, 2026.
Register for the next certificate cohort beginning September 2026.
You can find more details about our admission requirements and application process on our Student Information page. Prior movement/dance experience is required for the Dance Movement Therapy Certificate.
Current Fees
There is no GST on any of our fees or tuition. All fees are listed in Canadian (CAD) dollars. Training is tax deductible, see more information here.
Tuition Fees for Dance Movement Therapy Certificate: $9,800.00 CAD
Canadian and American participants will pay in their home currency (CAD and USD, respectively). Participants from outside Canada and the United States are invited to contact WHEAT as program fees will be adjusted for residents from Category II and III Countries based on the Human Development Index.
- $100.00 CAD – Non-refundable Registration Fee
- $100.00 CAD – Non-refundable Supply Fee
- $50.00 CAD – Graduation fee
Land Acknowledgement
WHEAT Institute and Painted Sky Studio are located on Treaty Territories and Ancestral Lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene, and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and respect the spirit and intent of the Treaties and Treaty Making. We dedicate ourselves to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.