Embodying Health: a review of the work of dance and somatic practitioners working in NHS hospitals’

Abstract

This report identifies the work of dance and somatic movement practitioners within NHS hospital settings¹ in the UK. It collates the views of over 50 dance artists working specifically with somatic-informed movement practice in hospital settings. The report does not include many other valuable arts practices in hospitals² but seeks to focus on this area where there has been little research to date. It aims to be of interest to dance and somatic movement practitioners, students, academics and
healthcare professionals involved in arts and health. Being the first of its kind, it sets out to define this small but vital field of participatory arts practice by collating data on the working patterns and scope of practice.
The report draws upon evidence from a national survey, and a series of informal interviews with six leading UK practitioners
between 2017 - 2020. The rationale for this research grew out of concerns by practitioners seeking to understand how embodied practice is taking place in hospitals, in order to develop more informed dialogues with commissioners and healthcare professionals, and ways the profession might establish approaches where the practice can be grown and sustained.