Dance and Well-being Publication

The key mission of the European Dance Network (EDN) is to cooperate in securing a sustainable future for the dance sector and to improve relevance for diverse dance among society. In the pursuit of this mission, EDN initiated the #DanceAndWellBeing campaign as a reaction to the many restrictions to training, practicing, learning, rehearsing and presenting dance across Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic. Between November 2020 and February 2021, 17 weekly online dance classes led by artists associated with 12 EDN members took place. Participation in the dance classes was free of charge and neither prior dancing skills nor a dance background were required.
The campaign built on the increasing awareness that artists and dance professionals’ practices are shaped by the notion of ‘care’ alongside a set of transversal factors and values, including equality, accessibility, diversity and well-being. In this context, and through its campaign, EDN wanted to reaffirm the essential role of dance in our societies and in maintaining physical and mental well-being. EDN is also aware of the potential connections between dance practices and policy and societal goals such as those outlined in the SDGs. All of these aspects underpin the Dance and Well-being report.
Dance and Well-being Report represents a review of evidence and policy perspectives: how dance can contribute to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages