Conferences and networking events typically centre around speaking, sitting, or both. Oftentimes, attendees enjoy varied presentations and selected panels, with only brief opportunities to move and connect over coffee in between. Recently, Emily Davis, Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Moving Bodies Lab, was invited to facilitate participatory dance activities for attendees at two major arts and health events in the UK.
During the 2025 Young Leaders for Arts and Health Summit at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, Emily facilitated a dance break as one of the event’s Young Leaders. The session encouraged attendees to actively participate in the kind of arts and health activities the summit was aimed at activating for the future, energising the room and discussion through joyful, creative movement.
Subsequently, Emily facilitated a participatory dance workshop at Arts, Culture, Health and Wellbeing Scotland’s Networking event in Edinburgh. This session encouraged attendees not only to move their bodies but also to explore dance as a means of storytelling and, in turn, as a method for research. The workshop generated a range of movement stories and ideas for advancing arts and health research in Scotland, including ideas for addressing further critical, interdisciplinary questions and promoting deeper cross-sectoral collaboration.
By facilitating these sessions, Emily has witnessed the opportunities, enthusiasm, and energy that result from bringing dance into academic and professional events, underscoring an urgent and uplifting need – more dance breaks.
