Expressive Movement Facilitator Program (Takes place both Online & In Person)
Our EMF program maintains the high standards of an Approved Training Program of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA). Movement Arc EMF program graduates can, after program completion, apply to become an Associate Somatic Movement Professional (ASMP). For more information on ISMETA, visit https://ismeta.org
Next Course: February 13th – November 30th 2026
HOURS: 250 hours over 10 months
TIME: See Program Details
LOCATION: Online & In Person
INSTRUCTOR: Instructors are members of The Movement Arc’s teaching staff.
In the Expressive Movement Facilitator training we explore somatic and expressive movement, dance and embodiment through a developmental, physical , social-emotional, relational and community development lens. We prepare you to become a skilled facilitator or somatic and expressive movement, who can apply to become an Associate Somatic Movement Professional (ASMP) through ISMETA, if wanted. Through the EMF program, you will learn how to use dance, movement and somatic embodiment practices in a range of applications for different ages, needs and facilitation goals.
Whether you are a yoga, dance or movement teacher/facilitator, therapist, or other healthcare professional, this professional development training provides tools and skills to step by step integrate into your practice. Expressive Movement engages creativity to support people to connect with and bring their inner world into outer form and into connection with others. Somatic Movement engages mindfulness of one’s body, employs sensing, and increases interoceptive ability by moving with awareness of sensation, feelings, thoughts and conscious intent for a new or fresh experience in one’s body. Somatic and Expressive Movement are forms of wellness practice that engage body awareness and movement in order to increase well-being, self-understanding, embodiment and connection. The Movement Arc is offering a very unique program taught by expert and inspiring teachers.
Testimonials:
”This program was so beautiful, the courses were well paced and really modeled bringing the body and kinesthetic learning into the practice. I’m no longer looking for cognitive meaning in the movement, as I’m feeling the meaning and power of the movement itself.” -S.L., Nelson, BC
“Through the EMF program I’ve reconnected with movement as an expressive language, and feel myself so deeply in this place. Finding this connection is more accessible to me again, familiar, but also exists at a much deeper level now.” -J.M. Calgary, Alberta
What we offer:
- A 10-month long 250 hour training culminating in receiving an Expressive Movement Facilitator Certificate from The Movement Arc. (This is a non-clinical training). With successful completion of the 250hour program requirements, you are also eligible for ISMETA credentialing as an ASMP, if you already have a scope of practice concurrent with that designation.
- 1/1 support from instructors to help you apply the curricula to your practice area.
- Connection to a growing global community of Expressive Movement Facilitators and allied somatic movement practitioners, as well as ISMETA’s global community of ASMP’s and others.
What you will gain from this training is knowledge and skills in:
- The Movement Arc 7-Stage Expressive Movement Facilitation process
- Understanding movement’s important role in human development through the life-span
- Experiencing the natural intelligence of the Body-Mind including exploration of experiential anatomy, the body systems and developmental movement patterning and progressions
- Facilitating expressive movement for children, teens, adults, and elders
- Facilitating somatic movement explorations for individuals and groups
- Introductory Movement Observation using Laban/Bartenieff principles/framework
- Deepening your own embodiment and movement “repertoire”
- Understanding processes and portals for embodiment practice
- Understanding and utilizing a specifically Somatic approach to movement
- Using dance for rites of passage, ceremony and ritual potentially
- Embodiment for self-regulation and self-care
- Trauma informed practices and awareness
- How to bring expressive movement into different environments (community centres, seniors homes, classrooms, and hospitals)
- Engaging different abilities and developmental differences
- Cross-cultural considerations, ethics and being in right relationship to power and privilege
- Have professional experience and training working with people in community, ideally in some kind of professional practice, ie. teaching/instructing dance, yoga or movement arts, community outreach, therapy or other healthcare modalities.
- Are emotionally mature enough to do well in a 14 person group learning environment, and able to apply Expressive Movement Facilitation and somatic skills to your own professional role.
- Have a background in dance, yoga, expressive movement, somatic or other movement arts.
- Have time and energy to commit to this full year (part-time) Certificate program.
- We recommend all students applying to this program have taken our introductory workshop Dipping Your Toes In as a way for instructors and students to meet and get to know each other through movement.
Next workshop: Saturday, November 19, 2022 10:00am to 3:30pm Pacific Standard Time (Online)
- Students are asked to submit a short letter of intent that includes information about their current work and background in somatic movement or dance or yoga. Due with deposit before or by November 15th.
- Submission of a short 2-3 minutes video of a dynamic dance created and performed by you. We suggest the dance be an expression of your interest and passion for movement/dance and working with people. Due before or by November 15th.
- To be followed by a 30 minute conversation with a faculty member by phone or Zoom to confirm enrollment and answer any questions the student may have.
What is involved in the 250 hour training?
The Following Themes. Courses and Topics:
Foundations of Expressive Movement Facilitation
EMF Methods, Approaches and Themes
Human Movement Experiencing and Observation (LBMS)
Lifespan Applications ~ Movement for Developmental Needs
Professional Preparedness
Deepening Skills with Individuals and Groups
Trauma Informed Expressive Movement Facilitation Practices
EMF Community Application Projects
Diversity, Power and Cultural Sensitivity
* Courses include mainly synchronous (live) learning time, with some asynchronous assignments such as watching films, engaging in partner work and additional tutorials etc.. Readings and other resources are also connected to classes.
As part of our 250 hour Program, students also participate in:
- 6 sessions (1hr each, either online or in person) focused on the student’s own embodiment practice and development, taken with an ISMETA registered somatic movement professional practitioner (*we can provide a list of possibilities in the Vancouver area and you can always look for someone local to your own area yourself, through the ISMETA website). (Note: Students pay fees directly to the practitioner and Movement Arc instructors are also available for sessions either in person or online).
- 18 hrs of Somatic Movement Tutorials online (offered by Hana and Amanda, EMF program instructors) online during evenings from either April-June, or Sept-Nov (1.5hour classes times 12 = 18hours). Your choice as to when you participate. (Included in cost of tuition.)
- 8 hours of 1/1 Support/Supervision time with Movement Arc Instructors (Included in your tuition); 1 hour is required for meetings after each course, plus extra hour of supervision as part of the Community Application Projects course.
Additional expectations:
1. Students will need to purchase 2 textbooks; approximate cost is $100.00 (price can vary due to inflation).
2. Students will have required readings for each course (often provided, if articles) as well as suggested supplemental readings (student choice to read or not).
3. Students will prepare and present a 15 minute oral presentation about applying The Movement Arc’s Expressive Movement Facilitation within their community for a group or for an individual case study (during November).
Recommended to do as part of your EMF training: Students are recommended to explore a minimum of 2 different dance styles or somatic movement practices (online or in person) while in this program in order to expand their own movement repertoire and knowledge, over the course of 10 months. These hours do not count towards your 250 program hours. This is just simply what The Movement Arc recommends to get the most out of your training and feel confident as an EMF. Anytime you can take an extra class in a movement modality that expands your own range of movement, the better!
**In-person courses are dependent on COVID safety protocols; if we cannot meet in person then we will meet online. We may request mask wearing and Covid home testing in order to participate in person. We honour medical exemptions for mask wearing. At this time in British Columbia there are no Covid measures/restrictions in place. If you are sick during an intensive, we ask you to stay home or at your Saltspring accommodations and monitor symptoms. We request that you remain at home for one day after your symptoms pass and in conversation with instructor decide when to return. We also request that any student who has been sick and away from class will social distance when returns and wear an N-95 mask for 2 days post symptoms (in order to keep the group safe from infection). We also recommend that if you are immune compromised, you wear your own N-95 mask if worried about picking up something from peers.
Attendance Policy:
**Students are expected to attend intensives in person. We are not able to accommodate hybrid learning by filming the intensives. If you were to miss an intensive due to illness or other emergency, you would be welcome to attend the following year’s in-person intensive free of charge and would receive your Certificate after all coursework is completed. We cannot provide certificates of completion for those who have not attended all courses, completed all coursework and attended the in-person intensives. Thank you for understanding, as we wish to keep our trainings at a high level and with ongoing skills assessment. A minimum of 80% of all classes need to be attended when they are happening live (not watched as recordings). All online classes will be recorded and accessible to students for two years after program completion.
Tuition fees for 2026 (250 hour program)
Total 10 month program tuition: Canadian dollars: $7250.00 plus 5%GST tax $362.50 = $7612.50 (This fee works out to approximately $29 Canadian dollars per teaching hour, or $21 USD ).
Please note: Our tuition fees are well below the average for similar 250 hour training programs such as those in the United States. Many students receive support for tuition from their workplaces, community organizations etc. We encourage you to look at all your options for funding support. We are not a university or college, so you will likely not qualify for student loans for the EMF training. Some provinces and states have training grants available for self-employed or small businesses.
Travel, accommodations, food, textbooks, and your 6hours of 1/1 RSMT sessions are extra.
Low-cost camping is available during summer intensives and relatively low-cost housing during the spring intensive. All intensives will take place on Saltspring Island, BC, a close trip from Vancouver BC, at the Beaver Point Hall near the town of Fulfold. Camping is available and can also be reserved at the Provincial Campground at Ruckle Park on Saltspring Island. The Movement Arc will provide a list of other camping, glamping and residential homes for rent, these range from $25/night to $150/night for a more private inside accommodations.
We cannot estimate your unique travel costs, but if you need help estimating other costs, please contact us.
Early Bird Discount
Pay the full tuition before October 15 and receive a discount of $200.
Discounted tuition: $7050.00 + $352.50 (5% GST) = $7402.50
Registration
Students are invited to register once they have applied and been accepted into the EMF Certificate Program. The application process will involve an interview, letter of interest, and movement video submitted. The application process is usually completed within two weeks.
A 50% deposit is required to register, and is due once accepted into program to hold your spot.
Deposits and Tuition can be paid through Etransfers to info@themovementarc.com. We can also facilitate credit card payments through Quickbooks, Wise, or a bank wire transfer can be arranged.
*Deposits are non-refundable (please review our policy). In case of severe illness or emergency, deposits can be held and put towards courses for 1 additional year.
2025 Training Schedule (2026 schedule is similar, but different, see below)
IN PERSON TRAINING COMPONENT:
The program includes three (7 days each) in-person intensives on Saltspring Island, BC (nearby Vancouver/Victoria) which are 135 hrs total in-person hours, plus
asynchronous assignments (approximately 1hr of work/readings per class), plus online classes by Zoom between Feb-March, April-June, Sept-Nov.
IN PERSON INTENSIVE ONE: March 21 (afternoon), 22, 23, 24, 25 (morning off), 26, 27, 28 (morning only), 2025 (@Beaver Point Hall, Saltspring Island, BC): 9am-12:45pm & 1:45-5:30pm Pacific Time Zone
IN PERSON INTENSIVE TWO: July 5 (afternoon), 6,7,8, 9 (morning off), 10,11,12 (morning only), 2025 (@Beaver Point Hall, Saltspring Island, BC): 9am-12:45pm – 1:45-5:30pm Pacific Time Zone
IN PERSON INTENSIVE THREE: July 15 (afternoon), 16, 17, 18 (19 morning off), 20, 21, 22 (morning only), 2025 (@Beaver Point Hall, Saltspring Island, BC): 45hrs, 7 days, 9am-12:45pm – 1:45-5:30pm ( except last day finish at 12:30pm) Pacific Time Zone
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ONLINE TRAINING COMPONENT (By Zoom): Classes are from 12:30-3:15pm weekly on Fridays (Pacific Time Zone) (2.75 hours total) (with additional Asynchronous Assignments that students will do before or after class: approximately one hour per week of time involved). Please arrive at 12:25 so we can begin right at 12:30pm.
(All classes are recorded, so if a class is missed by a student due to illness, then the class can be watched and any parter work made up and class content reviewed with peers etc). That said we need you at most classes.
Dates of online Zoom classes are: Feb 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6, 13, 20 , Sept 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, Nov 7, 14 (and 21 if needed as make-up day.) All assignments need to be completed by November 30, 2025. Students have the month of August off from classes to work on other projects/assignment4
Winter 2025
Introduction/Greetings &
The EMF Foundations Course
Online classes through Zoom:
February 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14
12:30pm-3:15pm PacificTime Zone
Asynchronous Learning Assignments (to schedule time for weekly at approx 1hr per week): total of 6hrs
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It is also highly recommended that students will want to pre-read ahead for their textbook chapters assigned for the In Person Intensive #1, coming up later March.
Spring 2025
Human Movement Experiencing & Observation Course: from the framework of Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies. (During In-Person Intensive)
In person classes: Beaver Point Hall, Saltspring Island, BC:
March 21 (afternoon), 22, 23, 24, 25 (afternoon), 26, 27, 28 (morning).
9am-12:45pm and 1:45pm-5:30pm Pacific Time Zone
(This is non-residential, so students take care of their own travels, food and accommodations. List of options is provided.)
Asynchronous Learning Assignments: 12 hrs for Intensive (1hr per class): can be completed pre or post intensive.
EMF Approaches, Methods and Themes Course (online)
Online classes through Zoom:
April 4, 11, 18, 25
& May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
June 6, 13, 20
12:30pm-3:15pm Pacific Time Zone
Asynchronous Learning Assignments (to schedule time for weekly at approx 1hr per week): total of 10 hours
Summer 2025
INTENSIVE 2: EMF Lifespan Applications Course ~ Movement for Developmental Needs across all ages.
In person classes: Beaver Point Hall, Saltspring Island, BC
July 5 (afternoon) , 6, 7, 8, 9 (afternoon), 10, 11, 12 (morning).
9am-12:45pm & 1:45-5:30pm Pacific Time Zone
(This is non-residential, so students take care of their own travels, food and accommodations. List of options is provided.)
Asynchronous Learning Assignments: 12hrs for Intensive (1hr per class): can be completed pre or post intensive.
INTENSIVE 3:
Deepening EMF Skills with Individuals and Groups Course .
In person classes at Beaver Point Hall on Saltspring Island, BC
This is non-residential so students take care of their own travels, food and accommodations.)
July 15 (afternoon), 16, 17, 18, 19 (afternoon), 20, 21, 22 (morning).
9am-12:45pm & 1:45-5:30pm Pacific Time Zone
Asynchronous Learning Assignments: 12hrs for Intensive (approx 1hr per class): can be completed pre or post intensive.
August is free of classes and is a month for rest, integration and planning for your Community Application Project for fall. Also time to catch up on readings and assignments! 🙂
Fall 2025
Community Application Project (Considered Course #6) (Students are leading sessions in their own communities; with 1/1 support calls scheduled with instructors and connection with peers).
&
Professional Preparedness Course 7 is on Fridays back on Zoom
Online classes through Zoom:
September 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24
November 7, 14, 21
12:30pm-3:15pm
Pacific Time Zone
Asynchronous Learning Assignments are extra hours: approx 6hours
1/1 Final Meeting with Instructors
Between November 21-28
Closure of course by Nov 30, with all assignments due by 12pm Nov 30, 2024.
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Program Completion Certificates sent by Dec 19 if not before. We will celebrate with you. You can then begin your application to ISMETA for your ASMP credentials!
2026 Program Dates (subject to slight changes, pls confirm with Director)
For 2026, we are adding more Asynchronous learning modules into the program in order to shorten our summer intensive time in person just by a few days, saving our students time and money. The asynchronous learning modules will be pre-recorded lessons with instructors, that students can then pace their timing and ‘digestion of’. We will still be meeting live on Zoom on these Friday afternoons from 12:30-3:15pm Pacific Time Zone: Feb 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26. (See March and July intensives below). Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, with Nov 20 as a make-up day if needed (2026).
In person Intensives (just two, which is different from 2025; we used to have 3): March 19-29, 2026 and July 10-20, 2026 on Saltspring Island at Beaver Point Hall. Please travel in at least one day before the intensives begin and travel back the day after we finish.
Instructors:
- Amanda Peñaloza-Banks, CMA-SP, RSME
- Hana Kamea Kemble, MA, RSMT, RCC, BC-DMT, CLMA
- Veronica Berezowsky, RCC, MA-DMT, RSMT
- Danielle McCulloch, RSMT, DEP
- with guest teaching on ISMETA Ethics by Dr. Martha Eddy, co-founder of ISMETA
With the potential for invited guest teachers specializing in different aspects of somatic facilitation or business practice.
