Connect to the joy of
movement! Join an adult contemporary dance class, or one of several specialized classes for ages 55+.
Therapeutic and adapted programs are also available for people living with chronic pain, Parkinson's Disease and other neurological conditions. ​
​
Typically, classes run at various locations in Ottawa (See below), but are available now via zoom.
​
Dance Classes for
Every Body
Connect to the joy of
movement! Join an adult contemporary dance class, or one of several specialized classes for ages 55+.
Therapeutic and adapted programs are also available for people living with chronic pain, Parkinson's Disease and other neurological conditions. ​
​
Typically, classes run at various locations in Ottawa (See below), but are available now via zoom.
​
Dance Classes for
Every Body
Lorraine Aston, MHK, R-DMT
Dance Therapy & Wellness
About Lorraine
Lorraine brings decades of dance experience to her practice.
She has worked as a professional dance artist, taught dance to children and adults of all ages, levels and abilities, supported the dance community through her work at the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, and has been a long-time board member of Zata Omm Dance Projects.
Always fascinated by movement, psychology and how the two interact, Lorraine completed a master's degree in applied sport psychology at the University of Ottawa. In 2015, she graduated from the first cohort of Canada's National Centre for Dance Therapy at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.
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Dance Therapy
Lorraine is a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) with the American Dance Therapy Association.
As a therapist, her approach is creative, collaborative and strength-based. She strives to help clients feel more at home in their bodies, draw upon movement as a creative resource, and understand the stories and heal the pain their bodies carry.
Lorraine has facilitated dance therapy groups at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Mood Disorders Ottawa, Abbotsford House, and Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre, among others, and also works individually with clients in the community. She is a member of the Dance Movement Therapy Association in Canada (DMTAC), the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association, and the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA), and was a board member of DMTAC from 2015-2017.
Lorraine is currently supervised by a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (ADTA) and by a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO).
Dance for Every Body
Lorraine also teaches inclusive dance classes, with a focus on seniors and people with movement disorders and chronic pain.
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Mental Skills for Performing Artists
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Lorraine offers mental skills coaching and support to dancers, musicians, and athletes who want to enhance their performance and manage performance-related challenges.
In coaching sessions, Lorraine works collaboratively with clients to define goals and values, make action plans, and problem-solve challenges. She may also work with clients to enhance specific performance and wellbeing skills like confidence, self-compassion, stress management, positive self-talk, motivation, relaxation, work-life balance, navigating transitions – or other skills that are important to them and support their resilience.
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