Dance for Health, Well-being and Empowerment of Young People is the third collaborative research project between The University of Leeds and Yorkshire Dance.

This study used a longitudinal research design involving both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate how dance impacted on the health, well-being and sense of empowerment of young people from East Leeds. Multiple methods were used to collect data from the perspective of youth dance participants, parents, teachers, and dance tutors. This research project enabled the team to work in depth with an ethnographer who, over a period of 10 months, was able to observe, interview and dance with the young people.

The project findings suggest that dance is a valuable way to empower young people who live in deprived urban areas to be proactive in improving their health and well-being. Dance can help young people boost their confidence, (including self expression, problem-solving), increase their life satisfaction, develop social skills, (including stress management, socialisation, relating to others) and promote active and healthy lifestyles.

From a critical perspective, the report found there is a need within the sector to promote the unique role that dance can play in meeting not only the physical needs of young people but, when framed around Quality of Life, also their physical, psychological, social and environmental needs.

From an applied perspective, the report advocates the prioritisation of community-based programmes that promote better health and positive development of young people. This highlights the importance of looking for appropriate community-based partners to invest in the development of community programmes in order to facilitate the health and well-being of this population.

Burke S., Utley A., Astill S. (2018) Dance for Health, Well-being and Empowerment of Young People: Findings from a longitudinal study with youth from deprived urban areas . Yorkshire: The University of Leeds/Yorkshire Dance