Dance Your Ability Training
2026 and 2027
Welcome To DYA Training
Our two-step pathway begins with FOUNDATIONS:
Learn the method with our self-paced online program.
Then continue with our embodied leadership training FACILITATION, offered online or in-person.
Develop the skills to create environments where every body can move freely, authentically, and experience their unique dance.
We are so excited to offer this new format for our training program.
Stay connected by joining our mailing list.
FOUNDATIONS opens August 1st!!
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This training can enhance and expand the work of:
Movement facilitators (yoga, choreographed dance, conscious dance, and ecstatic dance)
• Healthcare professionals working in outreach settings (counsellors, social workers, therapists, doctors, and nurses)
• Outdoor leadership facilitators
• Teachers
• Artists
• Family members who want to support a loved one
• Volunteers and anyone who loves to dance
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STEP 1 — FOUNDATIONS
What it is:
A self-paced online course introducing the Dance Your Ability method, including its structure, philosophy, and energetics.What’s included:
10 self-paced modules (60 minutes each: videos, reading, and assignments.)
DYA class structure and delivery format
Trauma-aware language and facilitation principles
Science + spirit of expressive group dance
Practical frameworks for inclusive sessions (all ages and abilities)
Downloadable teaching resources, templates, and playlists
Lifetime access to curriculum (videos, articles, assignments)
Outcomes:
Prepares you for FACILITATION training and deepens your understanding of inclusive movement in your area of work.FOUNDATIONS curriculum opens AUGUST 1st 2026
Fees:
$300 CAD / £165 / $220 USD / €185 -
STEP 2 — FACILITATION (after completing FOUNDATIONS)
What it is?
A 12-hour training focused on leading Dance Your Ability sessions with clarity, confidence, and embodied leadership.Choose your format:
Online Training or
In-Person Training
What’s included:
Implementation of DYA facilitation principles
Development of authentic facilitation voice
Designing and leading short sessions
Live facilitation labs with real-time feedback
Inclusive, trauma-aware language training
Creating warm, inviting brave spaces
Dyads and small group practice
Feedback and integration
Lifetime access to additional resources
Fees:In-Person: $375 CAD / £200
Online: $275 CAD / £150 / $200 USD / €170
Important Notes:
FOUNDATIONS is a prerequisite
Small group trainings with limited spaces
Applications open August 1st 2026
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In-Person Training Dates 2026 + 2027
Includes 2 full days, 9:00am-4:00pm:October 10 + 11 | London, UK (The Study Society)
November 14 + 15 | Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada (The Core Inn)
March 6 + 7 | Vancouver, BC Canada (Location TBD)
Online Training Dates 2026 + 2027
Includes 4 Zoom Sessions:October 24 + 31, and November 7 + 14
February 13, 20, 27 and March 6
Start times: 9:00am PDT | 12:00pm EST | 5:00pm GMT
Applications open August 1, 2026. More details coming soon.
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If you don’t find what you need, please contact us at: info@danceyourability.com
FAQ Dance Your Ability TrainingDo I have to take Foundations first?
Yes. Foundations is required before joining Facilitation.What if I’m not sure I want to facilitate yet?
You can take Foundations on its own, it is a complete learning experience, and you are not required to continue to Facilitation.What is the difference between Foundations and Facilitation?
Foundations teaches the method and structure.
Facilitation focuses on leading sessions, practicing, and receiving feedback.I feel nervous about leading. Is this program suitable for beginners?
Yes. The progression is designed to build confidence gradually. You are not expected to arrive with facilitation experience.How much time should I expect to commit for Foundations?
There are 10 hours of core modules, plus optional time for reflection and integration.
What equipment do I need to attend the online courses?
A computer that can stream a video and/or take a conference call. A quiet place to watch the videos and pen/paper if you are taking notes.Do I have to choose online or in-person for Facilitation right away?
No. You can decide after completing Foundations.How much experience do I need to join Facilitation?
Completion of Foundations and a commitment to creating inclusive and warm spaces are the only requirement. No prior teaching experience is required.Is Facilitation online the same as in-person?
The core learning is consistent.
In-person includes physical presence and group dynamics.
Online includes structured sessions and practice in a virtual format.Will I actually practice facilitating?
Yes. Facilitation includes practice sessions, labs, and feedback.Will I receive feedback on my facilitation?
Yes. You will receive real-time feedback and a reflection from lead instructors.What if I feel anxious about being observed or evaluated?
The training is structured to be supportive, gradual, and trauma aware. Participation builds over time.Are the Facilitation groups large?
No. Facilitation trainings are small to allow for individual attention.What happens if I complete Foundations but delay Facilitation?
You can join a later Facilitation training. There is no immediate deadline, and we offer ongoing trainings.How long do I have access to the materials?
Lifetime access is included for both Foundations and Facilitation resources.Can I take Facilitation fully online without attending in person?
Yes. Online Facilitation is a complete option.What if I still feel unsure after reading everything?
The first step (Foundations) is designed to help you determine whether you want to continue. Please feel free to reach out with your questions.
What People Are Saying
“I recently took the UK training in London with Alex and Shauna. Their absolute passion and devotion to the work is deeply moving and awe inspiring. I left with a heart blasted wide open excited to take this work into my community here in East Sussex! If you feel called to join the training - do it! Highly recommend.“
- Elena, UK
“The DYA training offered me plenty of insights into working with a diverse range of populations. With a mixed approach including plenty of hands-on exercises, I was able to integrate many of the practices outlined throughout the facilitator training.”
- Lucia, Texada Island, BC
“I’ve been dancing 5Rhythms for 30+ years and work as a support worker for people with physical & cognitive disabilities, and when I found Shauna & DYA, I knew had hit the jackpot!!! I immediately registered for the inaugural DYA training in 2019 and haven’t stopped moving since!”
- Jen Massie, Whitehorse, Yukon
“This was an excellent short training course. Shauna and Alex are both such warm, experienced and inspiring facilitators. The quality of the materials and sessions were well-balanced - plenty of time to experience the DYA model, understand adaptations for different communities and time to practice facilitating in a supportive group setting. This was a great addition to my skillset as an Open Floor teacher, giving me confidence to take conscious dance into a wider range of communities and settings - this makes my heart sing! And for people newer to facilitating or dance it was an accessible introduction and gave a good grounding in the skills needed for this vital work."
- Subhanaya, Open Floor Teacher, Scotland.
“I felt called to step in and begin offering therapeutic dance and movement in my community and DYA was the Gateway for me to take the Leap!”
- Mary Lloyd, Victoria, BC
“My overall experience with the sessions and the agenda was incredibly positive and affirming. I must offer a special mention for the Manual. It is truly amazing, comprehensive, and such a valuable, deep resource for the training. The way it is structured—so professional and highly informative—makes it an indispensable tool. I anticipate using it consistently as a primary reference for my own preparations and future sessions. Thank you for providing such a well-crafted foundation for this work; it significantly enhances the learning and practical application.”
- Sasha, United Emirates