DANCE as an intervention to strengthen mental well-being
Dance for Health is a research-based and health-economically effective method that complements the work of student health to strengthen mental well-being in young people. The dance is without requirements and is offered after school hours with a focus on the joy of movement and social community. Recruitment of the young people in question takes place via the student health service or by the medical officer in the organisation offering the method. Implementation usually takes place through collaboration between the municipality and the region, and the dance is free of charge for the young person. As there is a demand for innovative and resource-efficient measures to address the widespread societal problem of mental health problems among young people, the method is a valuable complement to traditional treatment within student health care (or other relevant health care institutions). Today, Dance for Health is used throughout Sweden and also in other Nordic countries. The method is based on both research and 10 years of proven experience. It started as a research project; the method was developed during a randomized study from Örebro University and Region Örebro County ("The Dance Project"). The study shows that regular dance provided health benefits for teenage girls with stress-related physical and emotional...
instructor course
Do you recognize the problem of mental illness in your target group? Are you planning to work with the issue and are interested in using the Dance for Health method? Welcome to apply for a place on one of our instructor courses!
WATCH VIDEOS ON DANCE FOR HEALTH
"THERE IS SOMETHING WE WANT TO TELL YOU"
Listen to former participants in Dance for Health, hear their voices. Learn about the experiences of the counselor and coordinator. There is something we want to tell you about Dance for Health. ( The film is free for public viewing and distribution) Click on the image to see the film:
DANCE FOR HEALTH - from research to reality
In this video you can listen to the research team. You will also learn about the experiences of those who implemented the intervention, student health and former participants. (The film is free for public viewing and distribution) Click on the image to watch the film:
What does 'DANCE FOR HEALTH' mean to you?
"The best thing is to come to the dance and just be yourself."
"I have become much more confident thanks to dance. It makes me strong on the inside."
"
"The whole society is grades or points.
It's so nice to come to the dance and let go of everything!"
"It feels like you sweat out that old shit you came with from school or whatever - and then a whole new person opens up inside you. I don't know what it is, but that's how I feel anyway."
"When I dance, it's like, here's ME.
Here I stand with my feet and can do what I want!"
"You become exuberant. You become full of life!"
"
Swedish healthcare innovator of the year
Dans för Hälsa was named by Dagens medicin 2019 as "Innovator of the Year in Swedish healthcare" (Guldskalpellen). The jury's motivation: "For having impressively mobilized and motivated people to better health, without expensive investments and with young people's own power. Kravlös dans has succeeded with the prevention that is always in demand, but is difficult to achieve. This year's Golden Scalpel winner has, with the support of evidence, methodically renewed the way healthcare works by taking advantage of what is healthy."
INSTRUCTOR COURSES
Before attending the course, you should have started to establish contact with student health/care providers for recruitment and medical responsibilities. The Dance for Health instructor course is initially two days and provides the knowledge base and tools you need to start your own groups in your context. Theory with background, research and key factors in the mornings and practical elements in the afternoons. Two intense and rewarding days! After the course, you get access to Dans för Hälsa's generous instructor portal and network (today over 850 trained instructors), and then participation in a boost day during the year where you get to reflect and deepen your knowledge. After the course, you will be able to use the Dans för Hälsa logo, get a place on the Dans för Hälsa map, and have access to impact evaluation materials. Before you sign up, it's also a good idea to start thinking about who can be part of a working group for planning and financing the initiative. Find out more at course information. To apply for a course place, select the date in the the calendar.
RESEARCH
Research shows that mental health problems among young people have increased in recent decades. It often manifests itself in physical and emotional symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, stress, worry, anxiety and depression. Children and young adults who are diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders are at risk of a long course of illness, continued need for psychiatric care and drug treatment....