When the body makes its presence felt: Somatic-informed movement practice as an integral part of the hospital care team

Abstract

This article addresses the nature of somatic-informed movement practice (SIMP) taking place in hospitals as a participatory art form. It focuses on the data from a report that collates the scope of practice, working patterns and procedures of somatic-informed movement practitioners in the United Kingdom (Collinson and Herd 2020), specifically the views of the six practitioners interviewed. The article first identifies key principles and values underpinning SIMP, exploring ways in which it might support people with illness. This is followed by a description of the aims and function of the report and data which enables us to see how SIMP cultivates embodied relational awareness through a ‘co-creative’ process, and concludes by addressing why creativity and presence can support people who may have lost trust and connection with their bodies through illness. The article acknowledges the challenge of placing embodied arts practice (such as SIMP) in a medical paradigm and includes recommendations for ways forward.