Dance contributes to our physical, social and creative health and well-being. These webpages show how individuals, dance companies and organisations across the country engage people in dance activities that provide health benefits.
They relate to the Dance and health folder published in August 2006. Read more by using the menu to the left, or download the full Dance and health folder here
Partnering for success
Many National Health Service (NHS) organisations, local authorities and local education authorities successfully work in partnership with dance to improve health and well-being in their communities.
Identifying appropriate partners is the first step in developing successful and sustainable collaborations.
Regional public health networks can help introduce you to local partners in the field of physical activity and sport. Your regional Arts Council dance or arts and health officer can help direct you to relevant local networks.
In the Getting started part of the Dance and health folder, you can find out where to get information, advice and guidance on particular areas of dance activity through the selection of national dance organisations. To find out about dance activity near you and identify local partners for dance and health work, see the selection of regional dance organisations, also in Getting started. You can also contact your regional Arts Council dance or arts and health officer.
The benefits of dance
Dancing can bring a wide range of physical and mental benefits:
- healthier heart and lungs
- stronger muscles
- stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
- better coordination, agility and flexibility
- improved balance and enhanced spatial awareness
- increased physical confidence
- improved mental functioning
- increased energy expenditure to counteract unwanted weight gain
Dance's creative and collaborative nature can bring personal and social benefits:
- improved general and psychological well-being
- greater self-confidence and self-esteem
- increased trust
- better social skills
- reduced social isolation and exclusion
Dance can help change attitudes about a range of health-related issues, including teenage pregnancy, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Providing safe dance and health activity
Anyone delivering a project working with children or vulnerable adults has a duty to ensure that safe working practices are followed and that participants and project workers are not put at risk. Guidance on working safely can be found in Keeping Arts Safe. Download or order Keeping Arts Safe.
