The aesthetic, artistic and creative contributions of dance for health and wellbeing across the lifecourse: a systematic review. Issue 1 (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chappell, Kerry; Redding, Emma; Crickmay, Ursula; Stancliffe, Rebecca; Jobbins, Veronica; Smith, Sue
• Is Part Of: International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being. Volume 16:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Dance for health -- participatory dance -- systematic literature review -- dance and wellbeing -- dance health methodologies; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 362.1072
• DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1950891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-2623

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: This review articulates current understanding of the aesthetic, artistic and creative contributions that Dance makes to Health and Wellbeing across the lifecourse within publications 2000–2019, an under-researched area. Methods: Review Questions: What are the aesthetic, artistic and creative contributions that Dance makes to Health and Wellbeing across the lifecourse? And what methodologies are appropriate for investigating these contributions? A database keyword search identified 769 articles and 91 evaluations. 109 documents were identified for further in-depth analysis and rating, resulting in 24 papers (11 articles, 3 PhD studies, 10 evaluation reports), which were thematically analysed. Results: Findings offer seven interrelated contributions that Dance makes to Health and Wellbeing: embodiment, identity, belonging, self-worth, aesthetics, affective responses and creativity. There was less insight regarding different methodologies, and discussions focused on quantitative data's limitations. There were insights into inclusion of embodied voices, subjective accounts, and lived experiences. Conclusion: Whilst acknowledging challenges, this paper illuminates the key contributions of dance to arts and health. It provides a future conceptual research agenda (prioritizing identity and creativity) and associated methodological developments. It recommends expanding geographical/lifecourse research, better defining terms, fuller epistemological critiques to open space for new methodologies, and continued attendance to appropriate rigour criteria.