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 have had the opportunity to work with Seonagh many times over the years as a creative partner in dance and somatic practices. Seonagh’s gifts as a choreographer and educator are grounded in her collaborative spirit, whether she is working with other dancers, cultural themes, the forest, water, or other elements.
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.
Since then, we have teamed up many times as collaborators, performers, and as friends with shared values about dance and ecology who love to train and practice together. 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.”
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful… This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking”
“Seónagh Kummer was an emotional tour de force, eloquently rendered movement”
“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!”
“I was having a really difficult time during a traumatic event in my life that activated my Complex PTSD. Seónagh offered me a short Somatic Coaching session over the phone. She gave me a simple practice to do on my own using the natal position. Within 24 hours I felt a significant shift in my experience. I was able to respond instead of react to the people involved in the devastating situation.”
