Written by CUH Arts
Dance for Health is one of the UK's longest running dance programmes in acute hospital settings. Established in 2014 and led by dance artist Filipa Pereira-Stubbs, ‘Dance for Health’ is a collaborative participatory programme for inpatients on the wards at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH). Its aim is to bring staff, patients and visitors together in dance; to promote wellbeing, aid physical and mental recovery, and encourage increased social interaction.
Space and time is made to engage with and listen to patients in a non-clinical, creative way. Although not therapy, the sessions are often of therapeutic value, and give patients positive and meaningful experiences whilst in hospital. (Filipa Pereira Stubbs)
Over the last decade, the programme has become an important part of the culture of care at CUH. It is embedded into ward culture and integrated into hospital life. The space it occupies in the day-to-day life of a busy teaching hospital has solidified its position as a leader in the field of hospital-based participatory dance.
I found it exhilarating and friendly. Very welcoming, supportive... and there was empathy for wherever we were with our bodies. (Patient Testimony)
CUH Arts has developed a number of special commissions and projects to share, disseminate and celebrate the impact and learning from this programme in it’s 10th anniversary year.
Dance for Health Webinar Series – September 2024
CUH Arts is hosting four webinars across September exploring dance in acute hospital settings. With contributions from dance practitioners, clinical staff, researchers, and those commissioning dance activity in hospitals, these webinars will provide a space to share practice, network, and create a national conversation about the impact dance has had in acute hospital settings. You can find out more and book a place here.
Conversations in Movement: 10 Years of Dance for Health Exhibition
This exhibition spotlights the beautiful moments made in the often-quiet work that takes place during ‘Dance for Health’ sessions. To capture and support the visualisation of the programme, visual artist Lena Yokoyama was in residence at the hospital. Spending time on multiple wards with Filipa, clinical staff, patients and their families, Lena has created drawings and live sketches of workshops, dance duets, conversations, sing-alongs and one-to-ones. You can read more about the exhibition here.
You can find out more about CUH Arts' wider programme here.