Dance for Health

There is an increasing demand for resource-efficient interventions to improve mental health. "Dance for Health" is a scientifically evaluated method that complements the work of school health services in reducing stress among young people. Recruitment is usually via the school health service and the dance is given after school twice a week. Today, there are over 800 trained Dance for Health instructors in Sweden and the Nordic countries and over a thousand young people regularly participate in the initiative. Implementation usually takes place in municipalities in collaboration with schools, as well as in psychiatry and primary care. There is a great need for a counterpoint to the performance society and to highlight joy. Undemanding dance is an example of an initiative that can meet this need.

"Dance for Health" was developed with the support of the Social Impact Lab at Örebro University in 2017. The method is based on the Dance Project with the aim of achieving social benefits for a vulnerable target group; young people with recurring mental health problems. To best realize the research idea, Dance for Health was formed with a focus on offering instructor courses in the method and providing support in the implementation process and follow-up. Dance for Health's key factors (joy of movement, resources, freedom from demands and community) have proved valuable; it is an appreciated method that has been shown to strengthen the health on several levels of many participating young people. Dans för Hälsa is run both as a non-profit organization (802545-8814) and a company (Dans för Hälsa Duberg AB).

Physical activity is a well-known and effective strategy for improving mental health. But sometimes it is difficult to get started or find the courage to join a group if you feel unsure. Dance for Health has spread widely across the country, see map. One reason for this is probably the undemanding socially inclusive atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, regardless of previous experience, and many young people who take part say that it is nice to have a free zone without performance. Dance is a popular and sought-after activity, which may help to maintain motivation over time. There is a scientific evaluation of the implementation process (Carlsson, N et al, 2018) that summarizes the following reasons for successful and rapid dissemination;

• great need to address the problems of the target group

• the research underpinning of the methodology

• easy to adapt to local conditions.

Dans för Hälsa was named by Dagens medicin as "Innovator of the Year in Swedish healthcare" in 2019 with the motivation: "For having impressively mobilized and motivated people to better health, without expensive investments and with young people's own power. This year's Gold Scalpel winner has, with the support of evidence, methodically renewed the way healthcare works by taking advantage of what is healthy." And it is precisely this focus - taking advantage of the healthy - where there is much to gain. By strengthening resources, i.e. highlighting what works, the individual is reminded of the possibility of improving lifestyle habits with their own tools and thus being able to influence their health. The more perceived power and personal responsibility, the less need for care.

The hope is that Dance for Health's method will continue to be implemented so that as many people as possible who need it can take part in the initiative. Undemanding dance has the potential to be a complement to the work of strengthening young people's mental health, where the need and conditions exist. For the initiative to succeed, it is important that there is an anchoring and a long-term approach to planning and financing. Conditions and recommendations for working with Dance for Health can be found HERE. Tip: follow the six recommended steps found HERE - and be inspired by good examples*! The central expression of the dance is "Come as you are". In terms of implementation, you could say "Start where you are". / Anna Duberg, founder of Dance for Health and responsible for method & courses.

[Dance for Health instructor courses are two days plus a boost day, and provide a knowledge base in background, research, key factors, methodology and provide the practical tools you need to start the activity in your context. In order to call the activity Dance for Health, it is assumed that the instructor has completed the course, follows the practice's methodology and key factors and directs the initiative to a target group with a need to strengthen health. The model also includes collaboration with health care providers and that the dance is offered to participants free of charge].

* Selection of good examples:

Dance for Health, Gävleborg / Dance for Health, Region Örebro Län / Dance without demands, Jönköping / Dance for Health, Region Skåne / Dance without demands, Stockholm / Dansa Pausa, Karlskoga / Dance for Health, Region Halland / Dance for Health, Vallentuna / Dance for Health, Tierp municipality / Dance for Health, Tyresö / Dance without demands, Östhammar municipality / Ängens vårdcentral, Örebro / Dance for Health, Nyköping.