Case Study: Dance to Move

Introduction

Dance To Move is a collaborative project between Ballet Cymru, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB) and the charity Versus Arthritis. Consultant Paediatric Rheumatologist, Dr Joanne May, approached Ballet Cymru about creating a programme of art / dance for her juvenile arthritis patients and the Dance To Move model has evolved over recent years. Family focused creative activity days in Carmarthen, Cardiff & Newport, included dance workshops, drawing, costume making, mindfulness and an opportunity for parents to share and support each other. Families, clinicians and family support workers were encouraged to be creative in workshops together. Young patients and siblings gained confidence while creating and performing alongside Ballet Cymru Dancers.

The Challenge

Dance To Move (2023/24) was developed to specifically target the health challenges of juvenile arthritis and children with chronic pain. These conditions have a major impact on a young person’s physical and mental wellbeing, leaving them feeling isolated and frustrated when unable to participate alongside their peers. The condition behaves in a unique way for each young patient with flare ups impacting simple daily activities and mobility, increasing fatigue and pain. Regular, safe and guided physical movement is extremely beneficial and the creative and expressive outlets of dance have the potential to contribute to increased motivation, self-confidence and mobility.

The Approach

Detailed planning and continuous dialogue between Ballet Cymru and Paediatric Rheumatology Consultant from June 2023. 3 Family days were delivered between November 2023 & January 2024 in 3 locations – Carmarthen, Cardiff and Newport. Each day comprised of 5 workshops - a dance taster, costume making, drawing, mindfulness for the adults and a create and perform opportunity for the children. Time and space was allowed in the day for families to connect with each other, make new friendships and share support and advice. 17 patient and 42 family member participants. Delivery team comprised of 6 Ballet Cymru dancers / leaders, 1 young dancer/ ambassador (juvenile arthritis patient), resident artist, Mindful Families leader and a Versus Arthritis, Young People and Families team member. Across events representatives from 3 Health Boards attended (CAVHB, HDUHB & ABUHB) Participant evaluation activity was built into workshops across the day. Facilitators completed feedback / reflections following each event. Costs involved venue hire, practitioner transport, practitioner delivery, purchase of materials for figure drawing, costume craft, and evaluation materials, photographers and film makers, marketing, evaluation, and admin time dedicated to the project. Total £9454.

The Impact

Dance To Move Aims: improving physical confidence & range of movement, wellbeing, sense of belonging & achievement for patient participants. Events encouraged new means of expression & communication within families, acknowledged as valuable for navigating changing physical & emotional needs. Time as a family was important for being creative, playful & curious together. Time apart meant participants could explore & gain creative & physical confidence independently. Parents valued time to share, support & encourage each other, focusing on mental wellbeing through mindful strategies. Young dancer / ambassador was an important role model in workshops. BC Dancers, skilled at providing challenge or modification, ensured activity was inclusive and appropriate. Inclusive, creative approaches contributed to demonstrable raised confidence levels in young participants throughout the day. Variety meant everyone could find something they enjoyed, felt comfortable with or excelled at. This built self-confidence & sense of achievement. Embedded reflective opportunities enabled meaningful connections between yp & dancers, yp & peers, families with other families. Clinicians felt connecting with families in non-medical settings gave valuable insight.

Lessons Learned

Collaboration with clinical teams and yp with lived experience is vital for ensuring the appropriateness of programme location, timetable and content. Event bookings were strong but non-attendance unavoidable due to the unpredictability of the condition. Challenges of the condition would prohibit more frequent attendance or having to travel further to access. In general young patient energy levels were observed to be better in the morning. Clinicians felt connecting with families in non-medical settings gave valuable insight.

The Legacy

Dance To Move has: Created a successful model for juvenile arthritis patients & families, with potential for further events across the region Strengthened Arts, Clinical and Third Sector support partnerships Contributed to the creation of a support network for YP and families through new connections and friendships Reaffirmed Ballet Cymru’s quality inclusive practice, developing artists skills through delivery Demonstrated potential to deliver similar outcomes to other young patient groups eg. longterm / chronic conditions

Website and Social Media Links

YouTube documentary on the project: https://youtu.be/ovivNGppGXU?si=M5FzQQxCGMy9muxo CAVUHB press release: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/innovative-partnership with-ballet-cymru-supports-children-and-young-people-with-juvenile-arthritis/ ITV article: https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2024-04-19/the-power-of-ballet-to-help children-with-arthritis South Wales Argus article: https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/24266042.ballet-cymru programme-supporting-children-arthritis/ Ballet Cymru social media: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6HQS1-BV8m/ https://fb.watch/rLoSrU3FOB/ CAVUHB social media: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5-4ffjIWwt/?img_index=1 https://www.facebook.com/cardiffandvaleuhb/posts/825717269579974/ Hywel Dda Health Board social media: https://x.com/SFPolley/status/1723444215881822208

Contact Details

Louise Lloyd – Access and Inclusion, Ballet Cymru. louiselloyd@welshballet.co.uk

Tags: #dance #movement #workshops #creativity #family #costume-making #drawing #mindfulness #performance #dancers #juvenilearthritis

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