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
Logo credit: Quw’utsun artist, Charlene Johnny
Reconciliation through Movement Languages: A Movement Workshop
Workshop Leaders: Elder Daniel Elliot (Stz’uminus), Elder Robert George (Quw’utsun’), Dr. Seónagh Kummer
This workshop offers a rare glimpse into an interdisciplinary artistic process. Participants are invited into the creative process through a guided movement exercise, or may participate by observing.
The workshop brings together various artists involved in “Dances with Addictions,” an art film in development conceived by Elder Daniel Elliot (Stz’uminus). The film concept brings together Wing Chun martial arts, T’sinqwa First Nations dance, and a parallel world of classical dance technique and somatic movement. At the centre of the film is a man who confronts his Spirit of Addiction, embodied as a physical presence. His struggle unfolds in a duet, which is expressed through martial arts. The film shows fragmented environments–street reality, trauma memory, and lived experiences–that merge through green screen compositing, placing the viewer inside the internal world of addiction. As the film progresses, the Spirit of Addiction is no longer an enemy, but is realized as part of the self.
From the moment of transforming the Spirit of Addiction onward, the film expands into community. Elders and T’sinqwa dancers ground this process in culture and ceremony. Running alongside the visible conflict of addiction within the film is a parallel movement world offered by contemporary dancers under the direction of Dr. Seónagh Kummer who choreographs the classical dance movement and street scenes within the film. The classical dance movement both parallels and develops the film’s themes, carrying within it the internal truth of transformation as it becomes shared and collective.
During the workshop, the various artists share about their creative roles before inviting participants into the circle. Elder Daniel Elliot offers his artistic vision for the film. The T’sinqwa dancers led by Elder Robert George (Quw’utsun’) share and discuss the role of dance in community and ceremony, which is central to grounding the film in culture. Daniel and Seónagh describe their patient artistic collaboration—an act of deep listening, friendship building, and slow development as they trusted the creative process to evolve Daniel’s vision. Daniel’s themes of caregiving guided the movement motifs that Seónagh used to focus the movement creation. Working closely with dancer-collaborator Robbyn Scott to develop a duet, this movement expression then deepened a dialogue with Daniel to support the film’s development.
Now, mirroring the Virginia Satir Change Model that shapes Daniel’s film concept, we invite new movement elements. New dancers, recently introduced into the process, offer us new communication styles, shapes and patterns. Participants in this workshop may also help expand the movement creation process. Through a guided movement exercise, a new chaos emerges to inform the direction of the work.
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.
