Dancing Prairie is a new Center for massage therapy education and research serving Iowa City, Eastern Iowa and the world with innovative programs that are already having a positive impact on health care practices
Register now! - Our program for the Class of 2021 begins September 15, 2020. What about accreditation? Briefly--Our curriculum is approved by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. Our school is accepted by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. We are an AMTA school. So far, All of our graduates who have taken the Licensing Exam (MBLEx) have passed on their first try! We are working with other states to ensure an easy transition if our graduates move and want to practice in a different state. We are not yet accredited by a national accreditation agency. What does that mean? Our students don't have access to Federal educational grants and loans. To keep up with our current activities and classes check out our Dancing Prairie Facebook page
Our faculty has many years of experience working with students in a variety of settings, and we are just beginning our new Massage Therapy Program. Begin your massage therapy journey with Dancing Prairie and enjoy these benefits:
Honoring health with practices that support healthy humans for generations to come
At Dancing Prairie, we are dedicated to helping our students enjoy the experiences and education they need to take their place in the health professional team. We know Massage Therapy enhances health in diverse ways in diverse venues from Salons, Spas and cruise ships to independent clinics and hospitals affiliated with colleges and universities, to private studios. We will prepare you to provide excellent massage services wherever you choose to practice.
Interprofessional education (IPE) for health professionals facilitates collaboration and communication across boundaries often perceived by those professionals and their patients as barriers. Patients often keep their health care explorations to themselves for fear of offending, or facing negative judgment from, their care providers. Health professionals often experience a form of tunnel vision within their specialty. IPE helps us cooperate respectfully as we work with patients towards health and comfort.
Excerpt from the University of Iowa website:
Interprofessional education (IPE) is leading the way that health professions students are learning together to work together in order to best meet the needs of patients in our evolving health care practice environments.
A Proposed IPE Strategic Plan for the UI Health Science Colleges
Mission: To promote excellence in educational preparation and practice in prevention, wellness, and healthcare through team-based, interprofessional collaborative learning experiences.
Vision: Interprofessional education at The University of Iowa will promote an institutional culture, learning environment, and infrastructure that produce graduates recognized for their ability to effectively engage as collaborative team members in healthcare settings.
Dancing Prairie students have already experienced some of the benefits of this sort of education with collaborative anatomy classes for massage therapists and medical students. Massage Therapy and Medicine is a course Dr. Darren Hoffmann (an Anatomist at UI Carver College of Medicine) and I (Dede Dancing) developed and taught first as a research project in medical education.
We found participating in the course enhanced the medical students' own wellness, increased their understanding of both anatomy and massage, and helped them feel more comfortable and confident as they perform physical exams. Massage therapy students assisted the medical students during the class and also reported excellent learning outcomes, including more comfort in conversations with physicians.
We care about your health. Many Massage Therapists suffer with work-related injuries, and feel they must shift away from a full-time Massage Therapy career. Unfortunately, those who cannot maintain a comfortable career as a therapist will often teach massage. As Dancing Prairie students you will learn from teachers who have maintained long careers as therapists and have found ways to stay healthy as they practice. You will begin practicing those skills right away -- as you learn massage and therapeutic maneuvers.
Apply for Admission or contact Dede at 319-471-7543 or om@DancingPrairie.com
We have designed our curriculum using standards provided by the amazing collaborative work of the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations The Core: Entry-Level Massage Education Blueprint, and we are more than grateful for their efforts to ensure that each massage therapy student has what they need to succeed when they graduate. We have partnered with the University of Iowa to provide very special opportunities to work with human cadavers as part of our students’ Anatomy coursework, and as Continuing Education for Licensed Massage therapists. These opportunities are exceptional in the field and in our area, and we are so grateful to be offering them.
Orientation -- Welcome to Dancing Prairie -- 3 hrs
Introduction to Massage Therapy -- 30 hrs
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology -- 135 hrs
Western massage theory and practice -- 140 hrs
Intro to Eastern Theory and practice -- 55 hrs
Massage for Specific Conditions and Populations -- 135 hrs
Introduction -- Integrative therapies -- 55 hrs
Professional ethics -- 14 hrs
Career Development -- 18 hours
Review and Final exam -- 15 hrs
Clinic -- 150 hours (~ 85 massages)
Total program hours= 750
Graduation <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
While we work toward an accreditation that allows our students to take advantage of Federal and State loan and grant programs, we do offer an in-house interest-free loan program that you can learn about when you visit the school.
Tuition Includes:
Other Costs—Approximately $140
Our excellent tuition rate reflects the understanding that our new program benefits from your participation as students. Thank you for your confidence! Full tuition or a down-payment with a signed Tuition Loan Agreement is due 1 month prior to the beginning of classes. Scholarships may be available. Ask about these when you visit.
Refunds
If you withdraw before the program starts your entire investment except the non-refundable $50 application fee will be refunded.
If you withdraw after classes start, Dancing Prairie will honor the laws in Iowa Code Section 714.23, subsection 2, regarding tuition refunds for early withdrawal from the program. Briefly, if you withdraw from the program before you were scheduled to have completed 60% of total program hours, your tuition—minus equipment, supplies, and application fee totaling $650—will be prorated accordingly and refunded.
If you withdraw after you were scheduled to have completed 60% of the program you will not receive a refund, unless you are withdrawing due to physical incapacity or spousal employment relocation. If that is your situation, the law described in the next paragraph applies to you.
There is an exceptional policy described in 714.23 subsection 3, paragraph a, for those who are withdrawing due to physical incapacity or spousal employment relocation—people in these situations will receive a prorated refund regardless of when they withdraw, even if they have proceeded in their education beyond 60% of the program hours.
Coming soon!
To date 1/15/2020...100% of our graduates have passed the MBLEx licensing exam :)
Coming Soon...Now that we have enjoyed learning with two classes I will be posting Dancing Prairie student and teacher comments.
The following comments are representative of the feedback I (Dede Dancing -- Owner, Founder, Teacher) received about courses and materials I provided in the 6 years prior to opening Dancing Prairie Massage Therapy College.
"Hey Dede
I just had a moment to look at your CD and it is wonderful!! The students are really lucky to have you put forth all the effort to create that. I guarantee that they use it often, not in the next year but for the rest of their career!
–Katie Swenson, LMT (previous Western Massage course instructor at East-West)"
Student Evaluations...
"Dede has a great attitude and personality. Well spoken, easy to understand…Very helpful during hands-on session…Present and aware. Keep being awesome!"
"Dede was very helpful with techniques when I had questions—she’s been great!"
"I liked everything about this course! Dede is a wonderful instructor. I feel like I learned so much from her! Watching a technique and then doing it myself was perfect learning. Thank you times a million!"
"Can’t wait till you teach us more!"
"I love this course! The energy. The techniques. The fun. Thank you so much! Keep on dancing!"
"Know that you have amazing gifts and are so good at sharing them with others :) Thank you for letting me be a part of that."
"I loved Dede’s style of teaching. Her passion for massage is inspiring."
"Dede—you are the best instructor I ever had. Thank you for everything."
"This was a great course. I grew as a massage therapist and as a person."
View our full Calendar at Events @ Dancing Prairie
We at Dancing Prairie Massage Therapy School aim to assist you in your quest to continue learning your craft and enhancing your well-being. We are always adding new events so check back often. If you have suggestions for workshops and classes you would like to attend, please let us know by emailing events@dancingprairieschool.com
Featured Classes:
Building Your Medicine Body through Free Form Dance & Movement
Mar 22 – May 3 from 3:00 – 5:00PM
[6-week Sunday Series] – $90
(Note: No class on Easter, April 12th)
We are looking for excellent teachers who have been/are successful massage therapists. Please contact Dede Dancing at 319-351-9766 or Om@DancingPrairie.com to apply for these positions.
Dede Dancing, AA—Human Services, LMT, BCTMB
Dancing Prairie Founder and Director
Adjunct lecturer Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Website: www.dededancing.com
Dede teaches: Introduction to Massage Therapy, Western Massage Theory and Practice, Pain Relief, Thermal Stone massage, and provides support to instructors teaching in the other arenas of Dancing Prairie’s curriculum.
While enjoying more than 15 years of successful private practice, I have focused on developing skills that help clients establish and maintain health and comfort. I am a passionate proponent of massage therapy as an important aspect of health care, embracing both the science and the wonder of this excellent profession.
My therapeutic techniques/strategies integrate foundations in human services and Swedish/Western massage with continuing studies and practice in:
I have been honored to teach in a variety of environments including the trucking industry, human services, and most recently, five years with East-West school of Integrative Healing Arts.
At Dancing Prairie, I collaborate with others to develop and deliver an enjoyable educational curriculum which prepares students well for the licensing exam and to have fun with a successful, rewarding career.
Gerald A. Anzalone, D.C., M.S.
Adjunct faculty for Dancing Prairie
Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Anzalone received his Doctor of Chiropractic and his Master of Science in Human Anatomy and Physiology Instruction through New York Chiropractic College. He has a strong interest in evidence-informed practices and is dedicated to excellence in teaching. Jerry is a member of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. An avid dog-lover, he has three canine companions (Taylor, Tiffany, and Marty), each a rescue from the Dutch Carribean.
Kent Ambler, RN, BSN
Adjunct faculty for Dancing Prairie
Ken teaches Pathology as part of our Science Team.
Having spent 6 years in pre-hospital Emergency Medical Service, then more than 30 years as a Registered Nurse in Critical Care settings, Kent is now retired from nursing and available to share is wisdom with Dancing Prairie students.
“My favorite part of Critical Care Nursing has been teaching and mentoring students and new staff, both in the clinical setting and in the classroom as an Education Coordinator for ICU and Telemetry nurses. I look forward to working with the students and faculty at Dancing Prairie!”
Since retirement Kent loves traveling with Amy (his wife), playing with grandchildren, and daily hikes with German Shorthaired Pointer, Oscar. He also enjoys playing drums and guitar, and teaching drum lessons.
Darren Hoffmann, PhD, Assistant Professor
Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology
UI Carver College of Medicine
Adjunct Faculty at Dancing Prairie
Dr. Darren Hoffmann received his PhD in Anatomy and Cell Biology from The University of Iowa in 2006. Since then he has been faculty at The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and College of Dentistry, teaching gross anatomy in multiple health professions programs. His educational research is focused on how students learn best outside of the classroom. He was part of the Iowa City team that developed Cyber-Anatomy, a 3D virtual cadaver program, now used by students at The University of Iowa and around the world. Four years ago, Darren and Dede started collaborating around their shared interest in anatomy, massage and self-care. Since then, they have taught multiple massage and anatomy courses together, working with students from Medical and Massage Therapy programs to create a novel learning community, and enhance the education of future doctors with advanced skills in palpation, massage for pain relief, and self-care.
At Dancing Prairie, Darren will teach Gross Anatomy. He'll also collaborate in developing educational programs and educational outcomes research. He hopes to help bodyworkers and other medical health care providers find a common language in the complex relationships of the human bodys systems, and inform the work of all health care providers by providing experiences in touching with therapeutic intent and taking care of their own bodies.
Lucy Marsh, LAc
Lucy has studied and practiced Asian bodywork since 2003. She owns a successful Acupuncture practice—Deep Roots Acupuncture—and has taught Shiatsu for two years at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts. At Dancing Prairie she teaches Shiatsu with an introduction to Eastern Theory and Practice. Learning with Lucy will deepen students’ bodywork toolbox and broaden their experience with alternative health practices.
Ralph Stephens, LMT
Ralph has been practicing massage therapy to successfully treat the injuries and pain complaints of his clients for the last 32 years. While his particular focus is on athletes with clients ranging from Olympians and Paralympians to passionate amateurs, he also works with other populations from couch potatoes, pre-natal, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia to MS, post-surgery, and brain/cord injuries.
As a Massage Therapy Hall of Fame inductee, textbook author, regular Massage Today columnist, AMTA National Meritorious Award winner and 2017 CE Provider Teacher of the Year, Ralph stands out as one of the few Master Instructors in the field of massage and soft tissue therapy. Ralph’s focus is on ensuring that students learn what it is they need to become more effective, successful massage therapists.
Dusti Dalton
LMT & Reiki Practioner
Dancing Prairie Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Iowa State - Bachelors of Science in Family Services
East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts - 2012
Iowa Licensed Massage Therapist since 2012
Jenna Davis
LMT & Reiki Practioner & Yoga Teacher
Dancing Prairie Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Kirkwood Community College- Associates of Fine Arts
East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts - 2012
Iowa Licensed Massage Therapist since 2012
Completed Yoga Teacher Training Programs in 2012 & 2017
Roles at Dancing Prairie: Adjunct Faculty instructing in the areas of Professional Ethics and Career Development
Dusti and Jenna met in 2011 while attending school for Massage Therapy and Energy Healing. The two quickly formed a deep bond that would continue to grow over the course of their education. Each completed a 1,000+ hour program through East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts.
Upon graduation and state licensing in 2012, Dusti and Jenna founded Soul Centric, where they provide Massage Therapy, Energy Healing & Yoga. They are passionate about hands on body and energy work, empowering others to take an active role in their wellness, being truly present during the healing journey (body, mind & spirit) and building community.
Having grown side by side during their education and training, Dusti and Jenna cultivated not only their individual growth and expansion, but also a dynamic synergy of energy together. While they each practice one on one with clients, they often use this unique synergy in tandem healing sessions as well and in collaborating to lead group classes and workshops.>
Dusti and Jenna are honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the Dancing Prairie tribe and look forward to co-teaching Professional Ethics and Career Development!
Marcy Rosenbaum, PhD,
Professor of Family Medicine
UI Carver College of Medicine
Adjunct Faculty at Dancing Prairie
Dr. Rosenbaum introduced Dede and Darren to one another in 2011, and originally inspired their development of the Massage and Medicine course.
Her roles in Dancing Prairie will include teaching Professional Communications Workshops, and collaborating/consulting in the evaluation of our educational programs.
Lauren Hanna, MD
Mercy Family Medicine
Adjunct faculty for Dancing Prairie
Dr. Hanna received her medical education from University of Iowa, completed her residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
At Dancing Prairie, Lauren will provide medical consultation and oversight in addition to teaching a course in Pathology.
Kristen Richardson, ARNP
Kristen has worked in mental health since 1995. After becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2001, from the University of Iowa, she followed her dream and created a Holistic Mental Health Care private practice in 2005. Kristen believes we are to heal the emotional pain we experience, not just cope with it or medicate it. Emotional pain that isn’t transmuted or processed doesn’t just go away, it accumulates and lives inside us until we begin a healing journey.
Monica Basile, PhD, CPM, LMT, CD(DONA), CCE, RMT
Monica Basile is a Certified Professional Midwife, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula, and Reiki Master-Teacher with more than 20 years of experience working with people and families in the childbearing year. She holds a PhD in gender, women's and sexuality studies from the University of Iowa and is the mother of an adult son.
In her bodywork practice, Monica offers massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, and Reiki (energy healing). She is certified in prenatal and postpartum massage, and has had advanced training in maternal and infant craniosacral therapy. Monica is also trained in Swedish massage, Thai massage, scar tissue release, reflexology, and neuromuscular therapy. She enjoys working with people of all ages and genders.
Monica believes that everyone deserves access to culturally appropriate care, and the opportunity to make informed choices. She is passionate about the transformative power of pregnancy and birth, and facilitating joyful embodiedness through compassionate, healing touch. She is committed to partnering with clients to facilitate peace, balance, and deep healing in mind, body, and spirit. Her own daily yoga and meditation practices support her approach to bodywork and birth work.
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$95 -- 90 minutes
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"I test my Dancing Prairie (TM) Salts, Bath oils and Deoderizer extensively on friends and family" -- dede dancing
20 oz tin
Fresh Rain -- Geranium & Lavender
$10Add to basket
Revitalize -- Eucalyptus & Peppermint
$10Add to basket
Calm, Center, Renew -- Lavender, Sandalwood &
Lemon
$12Add to basket
Epsom and Sea Salts with Essential Oils
4 oz bottle
Fresh Rain -- Geranium & Lavender
$7Add to basket
Revitalize -- Eucalyptus & Peppermint
$7Add to basket
Calm, Center, Renew -- Lavender, Sandalwood &
Lemon
$7.50Add to basket
Organic cold-pressed Olive Oil with Essential Oils
4 oz bottle
Lavender, Tea Tree, Sandalwood & Lemon
$5Add to basket
Filtered Water with Essential Oils
Shake before each use