Creative Arts Therapies

The Creative Arts Therapies include the use of therapeutic interventions in artistic mediums including dance, music, visual arts, drama, and poetry to facilitate change, emotional expression, enhance self-awareness, and foster overall well-being.

Building upon our history in dance education, we are excited to begin our Creative Arts Therapies programming centered in dance/movement therapy this coming summer at our Chardon and Novelty locations.

Grounded and Growing

Participants in this group will learn new grounding* skills through the expressive arts including dance, music, and art-making. Group members will tap into their five senses through the arts to gain this self-awareness, develop coping skills, and learn ways to navigate challenges faced as a growing youth member. Facilitated by a licensed professional counselor, participants will experience connection to self and others while exploring shared feelings, events, and circumstances. No previous arts experience necessary. Children faced with challenges including anxiety, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and/or difficulty connecting with others would benefit from this group.

Ages 7-11
Thursdays, June 12-26, July 10-24, & August 14-28
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $105 per 3-week session
Location: Novelty

Creating Connections Not Perfection

In this group participants will experience dance, music, and art-making to increase both creativity and imagination as a catalyst in connecting with self and others. Participants will explore developmental movement patterns, songwriting, and collage creations to enhance peer relationships, collaboration, and a sense of empowerment.  This program is designed with the flexibility to adjust to individual needs, so group members can access their fullest expression.

Students are welcome to bring a 1:1 aide or assistant if needed/desired. Individuals with experiences consistent with developmental disabilities, autism, adhd, sensory processing, and/or other neurodivergent differences would benefit from this group.  This group will take place on the main level of the building and will be wheelchair accessible.

Ages 12-17
Fridays, June 13- 27, July 11-25, & August 8-29 (no class 8/22)
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $105 per 3-week session
Location: Novelty

Living Dance ~ Living Music

The group will be working with the natural elements of dance and movement that we all have access to- breath, pulse, muscle connectivity and shape*. No dance or music training required- just a willingness to try new ways of grappling with life stressors. Teens can benefit from developing emotional regulation, self-expression, self-confidence, and exploring identity issues.   

Connect to your inner dancer and musician alongside others during this 9-week session (with the option to commit to 3 weeks at a time).

Ages 12-17
Tuesdays, June 3-17, July 8-22, & August 12-26
4:00-5:15 p.m.
Cost: $105 per 3-week session
Location: Chardon

*What is Grounding? A mindfulness technique that can help bring us back to the present moment. The ability to ground oneself is important for children to learn as they grow and develop new capacities in emotional expression and the need to regulate while increasing resiliency.