European Dancehouse Network

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

In November 2020, the European Dancehouse Network launched a #DanceAndWellBeing campaign, to help raise awareness about the essential role of dance in our societies and in maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing. Seventeen artists-lead online dance classes and one research later, EDN issued a publication indicating how dance organisations and artistic practice help increase individual and relational well-being, while promoting values related to solidarity, cohesion and intercultural dialogue. The publication issued in June 2021 includes policy recommendations and a selection of resources.

#DanceAndWellBeing campaign initiated by European Dancehouse Network (EDN) and its members wants to reaffirm the essential role of dance in the societies and in maintaining the physical and mental well-being. With weekly online dance classes led by EDN members associated artists, they open the space to everyone, not just to professional dancers. Participation on dance classes via Zoom is free of charge and no prior dancing skills are required. Dance classes took place from November 2020 to February 2021.