The impact of dance on the health of our population cannot be underestimated. Dance has a positive impact on our mental, physical and social health, with 1 in 5 adults participating in dance classes and 95% of adults saying that dance improves their physical health (97% for mental health).
There are many brilliant dance-health-based programmes across the UK created by freelancers, organisations and charities that provide an important pathway for people to feel the direct impact of dance’s benefits.
Such is dance’s impact on our health, there is an increasing need for qualified artists, whether you’re early career or have had a career as a performer and want to expand your practice, to deliver this vital work.
One such opportunity is The Place’s Dance and Health – Advancing Your Practice training, which is designed by artists for artists. It is an invitation to expand their practice, refining artistic and facilitation skills, within a community of care.
In terms of what the programme looks like, it follows a ‘learn by doing’ approach to development, in which artists are guided to interrogate, evolve and sustain their practice – individually and collectively.
What’s more, it is underpinned by both ancient and contemporary perspectives on health and healing, offering broader context to artists’ existing and emergent practice.
The training has been a truly invaluable opportunity to connect with peer teachers, exchange knowledge through dancing and discussing, and reflect on my teaching facilitation and the potential of expanding my work into different communities and health settings.
Trainee
At a time where current health systems face extreme pressures, with many health professionals themselves exploring avenues such as social prescribing to alleviate pressures on our NHS for example, The Place’s Dance and Health – Advancing Your Practice training enables artists to work in communities and health environments where people’s health and wellbeing are transformed through dance.
To find out more and apply by 3 April 2026, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4r98xa5t