ZOE Lab & ZOE Summer School - Engagement and Evidence
We provide a platform for comprehensive combination of research and practice
ZOE SCHOOL is a vibrant community and learning hub designed to bridge the gap between practice and research in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) and Dance for Health (DfH). Our mission is to cultivate innovative ideas, nurture hypotheses, and empower practitioners to stay at the forefront of their fields. We offer two distinct yet interconnected pathways for continuing education, creating a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary exchange. By fostering connections between current practice and cutting-edge research, ZOE SCHOOL drives both the expansion of knowledge and the practical application of new insights in these evolving disciplines.
Benefit for those involved
We bring together involved people therapists, doctors and concerned representatives
DMT and DfH are grounded in the methods, theories, skills and knowledge of dance. Bringing together practitioners and tools from both modalities, ZOE Summer School provides opportunities for deep immersion in embodied practices and new perspectives that inform working with clients and communities in and through the medium of dance. What are our shared foundations and distinctions? What can we learn from each other? Including both scientific and embodied research methods, and participation of people with lived experience of health conditions and challenges, ZSS is a vehicle for collective expansion of practices associated with the healing potential of bodies and motion.
ZOE LAB (learning lab)
- reading, talking, writing -
ZOE LAB, “our learning lab” is a seasonal Learning Lab focused within the fields of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) and Dance for Health (DfH). Each session invites participants to engage directly with leading researchers as they explore the development of their current work. Through a “deep dive” into a recent publication, followed by a brief interview and an open discussion, ZOE LAB offers a unique window into research processes, challenges, and inspirations. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, expand your understanding, and connect with cutting-edge ideas in the field.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Format: 1hour online seasonal, Saturdays 12pm CET
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Are you an author and want to present your paper in the LAB? Please contact us at admin@zoeschool.ch
ZOE SUMMER SCHOOL (living lab)
- dancing connecting exploring -
- writing, sharing, developing -
ZOE SUMMER SCHOOL, our “living lab,” offers a unique 4-day immersive experience dedicated to embodied exploration of research and practice in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) and Dance for Health (DfH). Held in July, participants dive into advanced topics focused on specific populations while exploring practical applications of dance-based knowledge. Inclusive of individuals with lived experience, dancers, dance therapists, researchers, and clinicians, the Summer School provides a rare opportunity to directly engage with innovative modes of practice, tools, and techniques in a supportive, collaborative environment.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Format:
2nd half of July 4 days (10am to 5pm, 1 hour lunch break) in person in Basel/Switzerland
- Format:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
THE RESEARCH SUPPORT LAB As an optional add-on, ZOE SUMMER SCHOOL offers this 5th day dedicated to research and program development. This intensive session provides tailored coaching on how to take DMT and DfH projects from concept to implementation, addressing the specific interests of attendees. Participants will receive expert guidance on refining their ideas, structuring programs, and overcoming challenges in the development process. Advance registration is required, ensuring a focused, hands-on experience that supports the growth and success of your unique project.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Format:
2nd half July (following zoe summer school)1 day (10am to 5pm, 1 hour lunch break)additional in Basel /Switzerland
- Format:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
We bring DMT and DfH together
because we beliefe that each is complementary to the other and both build on the big tool of movement improvisation
What is Dance Movement Therapy?
Dance Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is “the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to support intellectual, emotional, and motor functions of the body. As a modality of the creative arts therapies, DMT looks at the correlation between movement and emotion.” (ADTA). OR ‘the therapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and social integration of the individual. Dance as body movement, creative expression and communication, is the core component of Dance Movement Therapy. Based on the fact that the mind, the body, the emotional state and relationships are interrelated, body movement simultaneously provides the means of assessment and the mode of intervention for dance movement therapy.’ (EADMT)
What is Dance for Health?
Dance for Health is the “holistic, evidence-based alternatives for the individual to manage and adapt to physical, mental and social health challenges. In Dance for Health sessions, trained teaching artists engage people as dancers, rather than patients, in joyful, interactive, artistic activity” (IADMS)
Our Vision
Adapted Dance is a” recreational dance practice which has been modified to accommodate the needs of people with special needs, as, for instance (but not exclusively), people with limited mobility. Dance moves are taught in accordance with the skills and strengths of each participant, allowing them to develop a better mobility and body awareness.” (NCDT)
Applied Dance refers to the application of dance-based methods, techniques and research findings; this may occur in coordination with a multi-disciplinary team in accordance with specific needs or goals supporting the health and well-being of individuals, dyads, or groups served by a centre or program.
To whom it may concern
MIND/ENERGY
THE LAB / the leaning lab
ZOE SCHOOL invites all Dance/Movement Therapists (DMTs), Dance for Health (DfH) professionals, health professionals, researchers, and health insurance experts to explore movement, dance, and expression. Deepen your understanding of the expressive body, improvisation, and their health benefits. Engage with the latest research and practical applications to enhance your knowledge and practice in these fields.
BODY/EMBODIMENT
SUMMER SCHOOL / the living lab
ZOE SCHOOL welcomes all DMTs, DfHs (licensed and in training), health professionals, researchers, and health insurance experts interested in movement, dance, and expression. Explore how the expressive body and improvisation can be integrated into practice, especially for diverse patient groups. Join us to bridge research, evidence, and real-world application.
SUMMER SCHOOL / the research support lab / 5th day
Students will engage deeply with scientific literature, gaining the skills to write research and program proposals tailored to their practice. They will learn how to prepare proposals for ethical approval and grant funding, empowering them to contribute to the evidence base and secure resources for innovative projects.
THE LEARNING LAB: MIND/Energy
Reading, talking writing
Free to attend; one hour online
Saturdays
2pm CET
8am USA East
8pm Bejing
- Brief Interview with author
- Präsentation paper
- Q&A/Discussion/Brainstorm
DO YOU WANT TO PRESENT YOUR OWN PAPER? Please contact us (admin@zoeschool.ch) we are happy to promote you in one of our seasonals:
More information and Enrollment procedure
November 9th 2024: Rebecca Barnstaple: "This time with feeling"
KEYWORDS
embodiment, interdisciplinarity, dance, aging, arts-based, arts and health, research design
We want you to be informed so that you are an exciting and excited listener and contributor for our discussions. Here you find Rebeccas Paper, we highly appreciate you to have put an ey on hit prior to the meeting.
March 29th 2025: Cecilia Fontanesi: "Beauty That Moves"
KEYWORDS dance, Parkinson, affect, self-efficacy, beauty, gait, attention, motivation
We want you to be informed so that you are an exciting and excited listener and contributor for our discussions. Here you find Cecilias Paper, we highly appreciate you to have put an ey on hit prior to the meeting
THE LIVING LAB: BODY/Embodiment
Dancing, connecting, exploring – writing, sharing on developing
Format
4 days; Working hours: 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm
- Mornings: Lecture-explorations engaging with research and working with special populations
- Afternoons: Embodied exploration and exchange on core topics in DfH and D/MT
- The “5th Day” (optional): ZOE Research support day Day
Costs ZOE SUMMER SCHOOL (4 days)
Priority enrollment period (till June 1st 2025)
CHF 680.-
After priority enrollment period:
CHF 720.-
Registration closes June 30th 2025
Costs ZOE Research support day (5th day)
CHF 180.-
ZOE SCHOOL students: 50% deduction
ZOE SCHOOL alumni: 20% deduction
More information and enrollment procedure
Who is Who
Rebecca Barnstaple
PhD Dance Studies/Neuroscience Graduate Program, York University. Diplôme des études supérieures specialise en L’éducation Somatique; dance therapy training National Centre for Dance Therapy, Les Grands Ballets, Montréal, Québec. Assistant Professor Creative Arts, Health and Wellness & Theatre Studies, University of Guelph.Faculty National Centre for Dance Therapy, Montreal, and Faculty of ZOE SCHOOL Basel.
Rebeccas role:
Presentation of the seasonal meetings and facilitation of the summer school
Rebeccas vision:
Collective movement and dance have been aspects of cultural expression and healing for millennia. The places and ways we do this may have changed, but the medium of dance remains full of power and potential. Bringing together diverse practitioners who recognise the centrality and importance of dance enhances our shared knowledge and capacity to support life-affirming movement experiences across the lifespan. Dance for Health (DfH) and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) offer a significant range of embodied tools and techniques – coming together with shared intent will be a source of inspiration contributing to the expansion and elaboration of both fields.
Cecilia Fontanesi
Neuroscience PhD, Biology of Behavior MS, Board Certified – Dance Movement Therapist, Certified Movement Analyst, Registered Somatic Movement Educator, Faculty at the Laban Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, Barnard College of Columbia University, 92Y Harkness Dance Center,
Cecilias role:
Presentation of the seasonal meetings and facilitation of the summer school
Cecilias vision:
I see Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) as a dynamic field at the intersection of multiple disciplines—dance studies, psychology, social work, and neuroscience—where the body and mind are inseparable in the healing process. By embracing this interdisciplinary approach, DMTs (Dance/Movement Therapists) and DfHs (Dance for Health) professionals are uniquely positioned to tap into the therapeutic potential of movement, drawing from these diverse areas of knowledge to create interventions. I envision a future where movement is recognized as a vital medium for health and well-being, and position dance and movement as central to healing, growth, and human connection.
Brigitte Züger
Integrative und klinische Tanztherapeutin FPI, Kunsttherapeutin (ED) Bewegungs- und Tanztherapie, Komplementärtherapeutin (ED) Körper- und Bewegungstherapie, Dance Movement Psychotherapist, Director of ZOE SCHOOL FOR DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY
Brigittes role:
organization and moderation of the seasonal meetings and the the summer school
Brigittes vision:
I envision DMTs (Dance/Movement Therapists) and DfHs (Dance for Health professionals) coming together to exchange knowledge, share the transformative power of movement as a tool for healing, and collaborate with other health professionals. By fostering open communication and learning from each other’s expertise, they can enhance both the practical and theoretical aspects of their work. This collaboration will elevate their professions, allowing them to create even more profound impacts on those they serve, leading to a future where movement is fully recognized as a powerful medium for health and well-being.