A mixed-methods approach to understanding the motivations and skills of dance for health practitioners / Vanessa Reiser (2025)

DfH practitioners aim to integrate both dance artistry and health interventions into their sessions, necessitating specific skills for facilitation. Additionally, DfH programs take place in many settings, from hospitals to community centers with participants of varying health conditions, adding to the complexity of practitioners’ facilitation. Much of DfH research is focused on participant outcomes, however the aim of this study is to identify the skills of practitioners. Through a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through practitioners’ responses to an online questionnaire (N=22), then further contextualized through focus group discussions with six of those practitioners. Practitioners reported dance (n=21) and teaching (n=19) qualifications, along with utilization of various genres of dance and teaching approaches in their sessions. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes related to skills. Theme 1: Tendency for Trailblazing highlighted practitioners’ go-getter and adaptability skills. Theme 2: Connecting with Others illustrated the community of caring practitioners created. Theme 3: Being a Body Expert described the training and knowledge of practitioners that informed their facilitation for people with varying health conditions. The findings suggest practitioners had a natural drive for DfH work, guided by firsthand experience which developed their expertise in dance and health. Practitioners were also able to foster intimate community among people of diverse backgrounds. These findings can better contextualize DfH outcomes through a more informed lens of its facilitation. Key points ● Perseverance, adaptability, and curiosity are critical skills for practitioners to adapt to the tasks of DfH and adapt dance movement for people of varying capabilities. ● DfH practitioners are skilled in building communities of care through their facilitation. ● Dance artistry is emphasized in DfH facilitation, however, seeking out health knowledge and prior experience with special health populations helped practitioners feel confident in the safety of their participants.