Christina Houghton

Christina Houghton is a Dance Movement Therapist (DTAA) with a Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy, a Master of Creative and Performing Arts in Dance Studies (MCPA), and a PhD in Art and Design.

With over 20 years of experience in somatic dance, improvisation, choreography, performance, teaching, and research, Christina has worked extensively as both an academic and professional dance artist. She brings together creativity, movement, and therapeutic practice to support health and wellbeing across diverse communities.

Christina facilitates Seniors DANCE and has extensive experience supporting older adults, including people living with dementia and age-related disabilities. As a Dance Movement Therapist, she has also worked with adults and children in schools, community programmes, and therapeutic group settings.

Her practice is deeply influenced by somatic dance, creative arts, and an ecological approach to wellbeing. Christina encourages people to reconnect with themselves, their bodies, and the natural environment, recognising these relationships as powerful pathways for healing, resilience, and personal growth.

Alongside leading community Dance Movement Therapy and Creative Arts groups with DTNZ, Christina also works with private clients through Dance Move Be Well, providing individualised therapeutic support through movement and creative expression.

Qualifications

• PhD in Art and Design

• Master of Creative and Performing Arts in Dance Studies (MCPA)

• Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy (DTAA)

Professional Experience

• Over 20 years' experience in dance, choreography, improvisation, teaching, performance, and research

• Dance Movement Therapist working with adults, children, older adults, and people living with dementia

• Facilitator of Seniors DANCE community programmes

• Facilitator of community Dance Movement Therapy and Creative Arts groups with DTNZ

• Founder of Dance Move Be Well