Services

Using playful, expressive movement and dance to bring joy, vitality and a web of connection to older adults and people with dementia through direct programming and training caregivers

Keynote Address

Trained as an expressive arts therapist, Donna is an enthusiastic and dynamic speaker who has reached and engaged thousands of groups, hundreds of workshops and keynotes, and dozens of classes over her 50 year career. Donna's passion to transform the culture of care for older adults and people with dementia is fueled by the inadequate care she saw her father receiving. Donna is dedicated to transforming impoverished forms of caregiving to care that is joyous and uplifting.

Her message: Older adults and people with dementia deserve to be treated with honor. We do so by speaking their language, the language of the body. Only by speaking their language will we support their vitality and well-being.

“I witnessed first hand Donna’s passion and inspiring journey during her presentation at the Texas Culture Change Coalition Symposium in 2012. She has a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humor, but those are second to her devotion to make a difference in the world.”
— Debi Cost, Vice President of Operations at Massage Harmony, Austin, Texas

Moving to Music: Dance Programs for Older Adults and People with Dementia

Let us bring out the sparkle in your older adults! Improve the quality of life for your residents through dance and expressive movement, regardless of their abilities. Our one-hour group sessions will motivate participants to become active and animated, express themselves, and have fun. They will connect with one another through the use of irresistible music, props, humor, expressive movement, and dance.

Please note: Dance Programs for Older Adults and People with Dementia is only offered in Eastern Massachusetts.

“Donna Newman-Bluestein has brought movement, music and joy to the JF&CS Memory Café many times. Her style is attuned to the participants, so she is flexible and focuses in on the music and movements that spark their engagement. She creates a sense of openness and curiosity, even for those who might feel hesitant at first. She works this magic through virtual programs as well as in person.”
— Beth Soltzberg, LICSW, MBA, Director, Alzheimer’s Family Support Program, Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Trainings

bring Dance to Older Adults and People Living with Dementia

Learn the skills to engage, inspire, and uplift older adults and people with dementia through dance and expressive movement.

We will teach you how to customize your groups in order to motivate older adults to express themselves so they feel seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.

“My expectations were met three-fold. Your training was validating, boosted my confidence, reinforced strategies and music, especially for people with dementia. It was more in-depth than other trainings I’ve taken, especially the relational approach to the work, and for people with greater dementia. I appreciated the resources, your sharing what and how you do the work, and especially videos we watched together, particularly from groups you’ve led.”
— Trainee in online individual training

Relationship-Centered, Nonverbal Communication

Improve your skills, competence, and confidence to communicate effectively with persons with dementia through an embodied approach.

Learn to create an emotionally safe and supportive social environment for people with dementia. We will teach you to read nonverbal communication and make your intentions clear through your conscious use of movement.

Staff members have a new perspective on people with dementia and their role in improving residents' lives. Staff have learned to offer a resident their hand, move more slowly, and bring a quieter presence. Residents are participating more in their daily activities.

- Assisted Living Administrator

“Staff members have a new perspective on people with dementia and their role in improving residents’ lives. Staff have learned to offer a resident their hand, move more slowly, and bring a quieter presence. Residents are participating more in their daily activities.”
— Assisted Living Administrator

Dance/Movement Therapy Supervision

Receive clinical supervision from Donna, a supportive and seasoned board-certified dance/movement therapist with 40+ years of experience using DMT in mental health, medical rehabilitation, and dementia care. With mentorship from a clinician, supervisor, and teacher, reflect upon and refine your insights to become a more effective dance/movement therapist through skilled expressive arts facilitations. 

Supervision is available in person or via video conference.

“Supervision helped me feel where I’m at without judgement. Your presence is supportive, open, warm, and safe, and I’m glad that I’m taking my supervision journey with you.”
— Registered Dance/Movement Therapist

Consultations for Dance and Dementia Group Leaders

For individual guidance and support around the development and improvement of dance and dementia groups that allows each person to feel recognized and valued.

Receive supportive feedback and resources to increase participant engagement in your dance and expressive movement groups for older adults (particularly for those with dementia).

*30 minute or 60 minute sessions available in Dedham, MA or via video conference.

“Donna provided me with the framework, enabling me to run my own movement groups successfully and creatively.”
— Expressive Therapy Trainee

Workshop Presentations

Donna delivers inspiring, stimulating, and informative experiential workshops to help participants expand upon their skills and feel confident to apply them. Participants will leave feeling validated, uplifted, and empowered to make positive change.

  • Dance for Connection: An Embodied Approach to Nonverbal Communication with People Living with Dementia

  • Dance and Expressive Movement to Engage, Inspire and Uplift Older Adults and People with Dementia

  • Using the Octaband to Enhance a Sense of Belonging

  • Managing Caregiver Stress

“Years ago I was in a workshop that Donna offered at a Laban conference and was touched by her creativity, her compassion, and her refined facilitation.”
— Hilary Bryan, Certified Movement Analyst
“It was the best, most applicable and meaningful workshop I’ve been to in years!”
— Workshop Attendee