Hands Are For Holding® is a youth-centered workshop series which uses dance and movement to engage in conversation about healthy relationships, bullying, equity, and choice in everyday interaction.
Developed in close partnership with Day One and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic & Gender-Based Violence, Hands Are For Holding® has reached over 35,000 young people, across the nation, in the past six years.
What We Offer
Appropriate for grades 3-12, the Workshop Series addresses the socio-emotional health of young people, tailored to their age group. Choreographed dances combined with conversation, resource sharing, and participatory opportunities create a well-rounded educational experience that includes:
Space to discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships while considering the negative impact from COVID-19 on young people’s socio-emotional well-being
Pre-recorded or live dances to start conversations around complex issues that affect young people everyday
Best practices on how to support a friend
Interactive self-care exercises that promote mindfulness
Resources for young people to seek help and support *Optional Workshops are available for Educators and Parents
Topics
The 3-Part Workshop Series can be tailored to fit the needs and interests of each school, with a variety of activities and dances choreographed to explore specific topics:
“Connections” covers the topic of cyber-abuse and how to support a friend
“Boundaries” conveys the importance of boundaries and consent in any relationship
“Isolation” addresses bullying and how to support a friend who is being bullied.
“Side by Side” demonstrates the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
THOUGHTS FROM OUR PARTNERS
“[The workshops] Allowed the students to discuss some tough topics in a safe and creative environment.”
Dance Teacher, Windsor Mill Middle School
“We have received NOTHING but positive feedback. Thank you for effectively demonstrating how dance and movement can still thrive in a virtual space.”
Dustin Loehr, Director, Title IV-A
“I learned how to connect with others, as well as my breath and body.”
Participating Student
BOOK
Virtual Workshop Series
Click here to learn more or contact Emily Tellier at emilyt@gibneydance.org to book a Virtual Workshop Series.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE 3-PART WORKSHOP SERIES?
2 Pre-Student Workshop Meetings with leadership, staff and/or educators to plan
3 Student Workshops
1 Post-Student Workshop Debrief with leadership, staff and/or educators
Availability: Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Number of participants: Minimum of 10 students – maximum of 65 students Duration of each workshop: 45-60 minutes Cost: $750*
*Each additional workshop for students, teachers, or parents costs $250 each.
In-Person Workshop Series
Click here to learn more or contact Emily Tellier atemilyt@gibneydance.org to book an in-person Workshop Series.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE 3-PART WORKSHOP SERIES?
2 Pre-Student Workshop Meetings with leadership, staff and/or educators to plan
3 Student Workshops
1 Post-Student Workshop Debrief with leadership, staff and/or educators
Availability: Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Number of participants: Minimum of 10 students – maximum of 65 students Cost: $1,500*
*Each additional workshop for students, teachers, or parents costs $500 each.
Hands Are For Holding® has received generous support from the New York City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation.
