Seónagh Kummer, Ph.D., RSMT
Seónagh Kummer holds a Ph.D. in Dance from Temple University (2009) and brings over 19 years of experience as a tenured professor of dance at universities across the United States. She demonstrates a wealth of advanced therapeutic knowledge as a somatic movement therapist who is certified through the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA) and as a Dynamic Embodiment Practitioner. With over 20 years of experience, Seónagh's unique approach to somatic movement therapy supports individuals and groups through transformative processes weaving together mindful movement practice, deep listening in nature, creative expression, therapeutic movement attending to embodiment, and ceremony. As a dance artist and performer, Seónagh's choreography explores ecological themes, social justice, and projects developed through community engagement. An award-winning artist and sought-after presenter, Seónagh has performed and taught across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Originally from Vancouver, BC Seónagh maintained a strong connection with her Celtic ancestry as she worked extensively in cultural dance research for over 30 years. Her experiences attending dance ceremonies and working alongside Indigenous elders in both Africa and North America shape and influence her approach to somatic healing. Her work for the United Native Nations in indigenous self-government while training and performing as a dancer also influenced how she shaped anti-colonial community engagement workshops. These experiences imbue her with a sense of deep relationship to reciprocity and caring, a respect for ancestral knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing, and affirm her ongoing commitment to justice in relationship with the land. She is committed to blending dance, ceremony and ecological awareness as mindfulness practices, and as tools for healing, grief and trauma recovery.
Seónagh Kummer, Ph.D., RSMT
Seónagh Kummer holds a Ph.D. in Dance from Temple University (2009) and brings over 19 years of experience as a tenured professor of dance at universities across the United States. She demonstrates a wealth of advanced therapeutic knowledge as a somatic movement therapist who is certified through the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA) and as a Dynamic Embodiment Practitioner. With over 20 years of experience, Seónagh's unique approach to somatic movement therapy supports individuals and groups through transformative processes weaving together mindful movement practice, deep listening in nature, creative expression, therapeutic movement attending to embodiment, and ceremony. As a dance artist and performer, Seónagh's choreography explores ecological themes, social justice, and projects developed through community engagement. An award-winning artist and sought-after presenter, Seónagh has performed and taught across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Originally from Vancouver, BC Seónagh maintained a strong connection with her Celtic ancestry as she worked extensively in cultural dance research for over 30 years. Her experiences attending dance ceremonies and working alongside Indigenous elders in both Africa and North America shape and influence her approach to somatic healing. Her work for the United Native Nations in indigenous self-government while training and performing as a dancer also influenced how she shaped anti-colonial community engagement workshops. These experiences imbue her with a sense of deep relationship to reciprocity and caring, a respect for ancestral knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing, and affirm her ongoing commitment to justice in relationship with the land. She is committed to blending dance, ceremony and ecological awareness as mindfulness practices, and as tools for healing, grief and trauma recovery.
Seónagh Kummer, Ph.D., RSMT
Seónagh Kummer holds a Ph.D. in Dance from Temple University (2009) and brings over 19 years of experience as a tenured professor of dance at universities across the United States. She demonstrates a wealth of advanced therapeutic knowledge as a somatic movement therapist who is certified through the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA) and as a Dynamic Embodiment Practitioner. With over 20 years of experience, Seónagh's unique approach to somatic movement therapy supports individuals and groups through transformative processes weaving together mindful movement practice, deep listening in nature, creative expression, therapeutic movement attending to embodiment, and ceremony. As a dance artist and performer, Seónagh's choreography explores ecological themes, social justice, and projects developed through community engagement. An award-winning artist and sought-after presenter, Seónagh has performed and taught across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Originally from Vancouver, BC Seónagh maintained a strong connection with her Celtic ancestry as she worked extensively in cultural dance research for over 30 years. Her experiences attending dance ceremonies and working alongside Indigenous elders in both Africa and North America shape and influence her approach to somatic healing. Her work for the United Native Nations in indigenous self-government while training and performing as a dancer also influenced how she shaped anti-colonial community engagement workshops. These experiences imbue her with a sense of deep relationship to reciprocity and caring, a respect for ancestral knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing, and affirm her ongoing commitment to justice in relationship with the land. She is committed to blending dance, ceremony and ecological awareness as mindfulness practices, and as tools for healing, grief and trauma recovery.
Why Seonagh?
“I first gained an appreciation for Seonagh’s ability to weave together story, people, and an ecological environment when I danced in a piece she created on Salt Spring Island in 2009 with a Canada Council Grant. I was moved by Seonagh’s intuition, her relationship to land, and also by her connection with Elder Florence James (Penelakut) who blessed the dance and who Seonagh participated further creatively over years. Seonagh creates spaces for dance and integration of complex ideas, not just in the performance of the piece, but throughout its development. I am inspired by Seonagh’s profound ability to see beyond the surface level, to encourage authentic expression, and by her meaningful artistic collaborations. She brings people together around shared values about dance, ecology and indigenous perspectives on cultural safety in both community learning and artistic collaborations. Throughout the work we do together, my capacity to express deep subject matter and share it with others grows tremendously. Each time we dance together in support or celebration of our shared values in community here on Salt Spring Island, we create spaces for people to connect deeply with the work and with one another.”
“Seonagh is an accomplished professional and friend whom I had the pleasure of knowing since the Summer of 2020 in several capacities. Seonagh has many qualities: intellectual brilliance, passion, care, empathy, creativity, and openness. There is one aspect, however, that rises above the rest, which is her sense of social responsibility and awareness about the community where she creates, works and lives. ”
“Seónagh is a dedicated somatics coach who helped me personally to find faith in my artistic voice, and provided a safe space for me to grow. Her depth and breadth are driven by wisdom and reason. She inspires me to do good for my community. She constantly seeks new ways to be fruitful, make changes, and always expresses a message of love.”
“Working with Seónagh has been a transformative experience. As a result of our work together, I’ve been able to more effectively tap into my body’s power, and remain connected to my body’s needs as well as its strength. Seónagh has an incredible ability to sense exactly how to help — her approach is a rare combination of both genuinely nurturing, and truly educational. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”
“”””Seonagh is an accomplished dancer in the modern dance style. What became immediately apparent is that Seonagh dances with her whole being. She is a healer, of individual and community. She has a sensed awareness of the interrelationship between body, mind, and spirit. When she teaches, you know she senses your being, even through the Zoom medium. Her classes are felt expressions of how our experiences live in our bodies. You feel you are with her on a journey of discovery of yourself, and that travelling with her will help you grow into your best self in relationship with your community.”
“Seónagh has the ability to blend a passion for learning with genuine somatic wisdom in a way that fundamentally shifts how you relate to your own body. What makes Seónagh unique is her commitment to grounding movement work in indigenous sensibilities, creating space for practices that honor connection to land, ancestors, and collective healing rather than just individual wellness.
Seónagh brings her genuine care for humanity to every session. I’ve also had the privilege of experiencing her retreat space on Salt Spring Island, and it embodies everything she teaches; it’s a place where the land itself seems to support your healing and where rest and exploration feel sacred. If you’re seeking someone who will meet you with authenticity and dedication to both personal and collective transformation, Seónagh is that guide.”
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Upcoming Events
Radiant Resilience is a 7-Day land-based somatic retreat on Salt Spring Island, B.C., where you are invited to slow down, listen deeply, and restore vitality in your body, your work, and your relationships.
— Set an intention, and work together with a small cohort to build new skills in emotional agility, regulation, and connection.
— Under the guidance of Indigenous Elders, learn models of resilience rooted in land and community.
— Daily movement classes from ISMETA-certified Somatic Movement Educators help integrate your learnings and offer new tools to expand your practice or to be shared with your community and/or clientele.– Explore your own connection to “root systems” in guided experiences in the forested and oceanic landscapes of Salt Spring Island.
Through deep witnessing, embodiment practices, and intentional communication, we create a culture of belonging and mutual support; this fertile soil becomes the source material from which we can foster and cultivate our resilience, and is how we can bring a spirit of resilience back to our families and communities.
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During this experiential workshop participants explore their own, personal role in supporting the revival of the values that worked so beautifully in indigenous villages for thousands of years. As a group, we also explore in‐depth the effects of Residential Schools and Canada’s Policy of Assimilation on Indigenous communities.
This workshop is geared to solutions rather than recrimination and is a great forum in which to ask questions. Participants in these often emotion-provoking workshop experiences comment that while they understood a bit about the issue on a cognitive level, after participation in Building Bridges Through Understanding the Village© they understand on a deep emotional level as well. The workshop is done from a non-blame and non‐shame perspective and invites all participants to become a part of the healing that IS already happening.
The workshop costs $75-215 (sliding scale pricing), which includes a catered lunch. Register below to hold your place in line. Participants will be contacted via email with information on how to remit payment, as well as event information.
*All funds directly support local indigenous healers and educators and help cover their travel costs. Reservations are required in advance. Limited sliding scale and work study scholarships available. Ask. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Dr. Seonagh Kummer is a lifelong dancer and teacher whose mindful movement classes will assist you to expand somatic awareness of your body in relationship with nature. Her movement design helps learners experience the joys and qualitative processes of executing movements and sensations of myofascial connectivity in the body. You will explore how movement can increase self-awareness and help manage stress rather than just perfecting shapes or positions.These teachings assist educators, therapists and coaches to expand and strengthen their offerings through the art of somatic awareness.
All experience levels are welcome!
This class series costs $60 CAD, which includes three 1:15-minute classes on three different days. Please be aware of the dates listed, as classes are only available on those dates.
Register below to hold your place in line. Participants will be contacted via email with information on how to remit payment, as well as event information.
*All funds go directly to support local indigenous healers and educators and cover costs. Reservations required in advance. Limited sliding scale and work study scholarships available. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Reach out to seonagh@gmail.com for more information.
All classes can be used toward certification as a Registered Somatic Movement Educator and/or Therapist.
💠Step into the new Season with Intention. Sacred Ceremony.
Elder Daniel Elliott (Stz’uminus) will lead a nature-based ceremony that cleanses, connects us to the land and relates us to themes of the National day for Reconciliation in Canada.
💠Allow the healing to resonate throughout your body. Sound Bath Journey.
Hwiemtun Fred Roland (Quw’utsun’), and Lekha Michelle Hayes White Turtle Woman (Metis) will lead a 1.5 hour sound journey with indigenous instruments and chants.
💠Bring the Resilience of nature into your body. Cacao Journey.
Lena La Foret, honouring the intentions set by the Elders, takes us through gentle movement and a guided journey with the spirit of cacao.
Bring: cushy mat, blanket, warm socks to nest, smiles – yoga mat size, bottled water.
This day of healing costs $225-335 (sliding scale). Register below to hold your place in line. Participants will be contacted via email with information on how to remit payment, as well as event information.
*All funds directly support local indigenous healers and educators and help cover their travel costs. Reservations are required in advance. Limited sliding scale and work study scholarships available. Ask. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
