From March through to September we will be sharing select presentations from our 2020 iConference; free and open access here on the IADMS blog and on our eLearning page. We will focus on each of our iConference themes for one month, with available presentations switching over on the 15th of each month: Dance for Health (March 15), Dance Medicine (April 15), Dance Research (May 15), Interactive/Movement (June 15), Dance Education (July 15), and Dance Science (August 15). 

Presentations will only be available for the specified dates, so be sure to share them with your colleagues and friends while you can! All presentations from the 2020 iConference remain available for IADMS members via the IADMS app until September 15 2021. 

Up first we have two presentations from the ‘Dance for Health’ theme. We also asked the presenters some questions regarding their experiences of being involved in our 2020 iConference.

A summary of the WHO 2019 scoping review, synthesising the evidence on the  role of dance in improving health and well-being

Emily Jenkins PgDip, MA

Video no longer available on this platform. IADMS members still have access to all iConference presentations until September 15 2021 via the IADMS app.

1. What was your motivation for being part of the IADMS iConference2020? 

As a member of the IADMS Dance for Health Committee, I always try and contribute something to the annual conferences. My motivation to present a summary of the WHO 2019 scooping review came from a desire to highlight to IADMS members the substantial body of evidence that already exists surrounding the benefits of dance for population health.

2. Could you outline the main topic/theme/exploration of your iConference presentation and why this is important for the dance sector/health professionals?  

The report divides the evidence into two broad sub categories, Prevention and Promotion, Management and Treatment, and effectively communicates how dance addresses a great number of health challenges - physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. It's very important for the dance sector to be aware of the findings in this report as I hear all too often 'there's no evidence' to show how dance improves and maintains health, where in fact there is but it's just not widely known about or disseminated. Hence this presentation offers a quick summary of the report solely focused on dance (as opposed to all art forms), in the hope that people can use it to inform their work/their conversations and to initiate more Dance for Health projects. 

3. What are the key ‘take-home’ messages from your presentation that the dance sector/dance health professionals should be aware of? 

As a physical activity dance is particularly relevant for rehabilitation, and evidence shows greater participant retention and lower drop out when compared to other exercise programmes.

Psychosocial benefits of dance activity include social inclusion and cohesion, improvements in self care and self-esteem, greater social and communication skills, enhanced feelings of trust and overall fear reduction.

The evidence base does not just show efficacy of arts (including dance) interventions but also communicates economic benefits, with some interventions showing equivalent or greater cost–effectiveness to possible health interventions. There was also a strong case made for interdisciplinary collaboration, between dance professionals and health professionals, and compelling evidence showing how the arts (including dance) can support healthcare delivery.

4. Could you tell us what you enjoyed the most about iConference2020 as either a presenter or attendee? 

The Dance for Health interdisciplinary networking event - not to be missed in 2021! 

Dance for Multiple Sclerosis: a national ballet company's medical and engagement departments collaborate to propose data collection via digital application

Catherine Cassidy BA, Martin Lanfear MSc, PT

Video no longer available on this platform. IADMS members still have access to all iConference presentations until September 15 2021 via the IADMS app.

1. What was your motivation for being part of the IADMS iConference2020? 

To help to promote an understanding of the positive impact that dance is having on patients living with a number of neurological conditions. To encourage collaboration between the engagement and medical teams within professional dance companies.

2. Could you outline the main topic/theme/exploration of your iConference presentation and why this is important for the dance sector/health professionals?

   Dance for Multiple Sclerosis, collaboration, use of technology within dance health, the impact of dance health. The greater the awareness of the positive impact that dance is having on those living with neurological conditions and the delivery and research models available, the more people who will benefit physically and mentally. 

3. What are the key ‘take-home’ messages from your presentation that the dance sector/dance health professionals should be aware of?  Collaboration between Performance Medicine and Engagement teams will produce robust, effective dance health initiatives and research initiatives.

4. Could you tell us what you enjoyed the most about iConference2020 as either a presenter or attendee? 

Creating and delivering a bespoke digital presentation together with my colleague. Sampling the fascinating range of content on offer in my own time and feeling part of a dynamic and exciting community.