Artist Wellbeing: Exploring the Experiences of Dance Artists Delivering Community Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Artist Wellbeing: Exploring the Experiences of Dance Artists Delivering Community Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Language: English
Authors: Collard-Stokes, Gemma (ORCID 0000-0001-7798-9169), Yoon, J.
Source: Research in Dance Education. 2022 23(1):60-74.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Dance, Physical Health, Mental Health, Well Being, Creative Activities, Professional Personnel, Attitudes, Barriers, Interpersonal Relationship, Health Services, Community Programs, Interpersonal Communication, Professional Development, Training, Social Isolation
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2021.1993176
ISSN: 1464-7893
Abstract: Research evidence indicates the ability of dance to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing through its unique combination of creative expression, movement and social connections. This article explores the wellbeing of independent dance artists/practitioners delivering initiatives for the UK's social prescribing scheme. The article examines the experiences, practices and professional development of dance artists/practitioners providing community dance programmes with a particular focus on enhancing participants' wellbeing. Dance artists/practitioners participated in a UK-wide online survey (n = 30) and a focus group discussion (n = 3) between May to September 2019. Using a qualitative methodology, we examined the dance artists/practitioners' practice, perspectives and needs. Three themes emerged -- barriers to wellbeing, isolation and support networks. Four crucial areas of concern were highlighted. (1) Clearer distinctions between social prescribing, arts in primary/secondary care and participatory, community arts programming; (2) Improved dialogue between dance artists/practitioners, employers/commissioners, communities and training providers; (3) Action to address the lack of affective support and training for dance artists/practitioners working in a health and wellbeing context; and (4) Recognition. The independent dance sector still has work to do in order to provide dance artists/practitioners with access to training, peer support, professional development and wellbeing provision.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1333237
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Research evidence indicates the ability of dance to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing through its unique combination of creative expression, movement and social connections. This article explores the wellbeing of independent dance artists/practitioners delivering initiatives for the UK's social prescribing scheme. The article examines the experiences, practices and professional development of dance artists/practitioners providing community dance programmes with a particular focus on enhancing participants' wellbeing. Dance artists/practitioners participated in a UK-wide online survey (n = 30) and a focus group discussion (n = 3) between May to September 2019. Using a qualitative methodology, we examined the dance artists/practitioners' practice, perspectives and needs. Three themes emerged -- barriers to wellbeing, isolation and support networks. Four crucial areas of concern were highlighted. (1) Clearer distinctions between social prescribing, arts in primary/secondary care and participatory, community arts programming; (2) Improved dialogue between dance artists/practitioners, employers/commissioners, communities and training providers; (3) Action to address the lack of affective support and training for dance artists/practitioners working in a health and wellbeing context; and (4) Recognition. The independent dance sector still has work to do in order to provide dance artists/practitioners with access to training, peer support, professional development and wellbeing provision.
ISSN:1464-7893
DOI:10.1080/14647893.2021.1993176