Research Finds Dance Enhances Self Esteem in Young Women

Research Finds Dance Enhances Self Esteem in Young Women



The North Kent Local Authorities Arts Partnership (NKLAAP) and leading dance conservatoire Laban are pleased to announce the findings of the innovative participatory research project dance 4 your life. The study examined the physical and psychological impact of dance on young women aged 14.



The study found:

- A statistically significant improvement in levels of self esteemamong students who had taken part in dance classes

- Clear benefits of dance on physical health, with statistically significant improvements in aerobic capacity and upper body strength among participants

- Teenage girls are receptiveand positive towards dance as a physical activity, even at an age when statistics show many begin to drop out of physical activities

- Intrinsic motivationlevels among the participants were above average before the dance classes began, and these high levels were maintained



dance 4 your lifeprovided dynamic dance classes to five schools across North Kent, led by professional dance artists based in the region. Dance Science researchers from Laban devised a programme of testing to assess the impact on the participants.



Research examined both the physical and psychological impact of the classes. The physical areas assessed were: aerobic capacity, flexibility, and upper body strength. In terms of psychological impact and general well-being, the team examined: levels of self esteem (self worth), intrinsic motivation (what drives a person to take part in a specific activity), and general attitudes towards dance and group physical activity.



Data was collected on the first and last day of the programme and statistically analysed to explore what changes had taken place as a result of the dance 4 your lifeprogramme.





The dance classes in dance 4 your lifeplaced an emphasis on peer critique and positive reinforcement. They aimed to provide a positive physical and creative learning environment which afforded autonomy in the realisation of goals and ownership of creativity. Therefore the dance classes proved an ideal constructive learning environment – combining elements of aerobic physical activity and goal achievement with time for reflection, peer critique and creativity. The improvement in participants’ self esteem levels demonstrates the positive impact on well-being and self worth participation in dance can have.



Anecdotally, the capacity for dance to impact positively on young people's health and well being is widely acknowledged. However dance 4 your lifeoffered a crucial forum to explore this in a scientific fashion, and disseminate the findings to a wide audience. dance 4 your lifehelps highlight dance as a fun and healthy activity for young people – placing dance alongside other physical activities at the fore of health and fitness initiatives – and, perhaps most importantly, encouraging more young people into dance.



For more information see www.nklaap.com/dance-4-your-life.html

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For a copy of the report, images or interviews please contact Miranda Harris on

020 8469 9549 or mharris@trinitylaban.ac.uk



Notes to Editors



NKLAAP

NKLAAP incorporates Gravesham Borough Council, Swale Borough Council, Medway Unitary Authority, Kent County Council and works closely with Arts Council England, South East. Formed in 2003 following a consultation with the Local Government Association, Local Authority representatives and the publication Vision for Partnership, NKLAAP was established as one of 12 sub regional partnerships with guidance from Arts Council England, South East. The Partnership way of working represents an important step forward in maximising the benefits the arts can bring to communities and individuals within each local area. www.nklaap.com



Laban

Laban is an internationally renowned conservatoire for professional contemporary dance training, at the forefront of developing undergraduate, postgraduate and professional level courses. Based in an awe-inspiring landmark building in Deptford Creekside, SE8, state-of-the-art facilities include 13 dance studios, a health suite, café and 300-seat purpose built theatre. www.laban.org



Dance Science

Dance Science is a relatively new but fast growing area of research and study. By recognising the dancer as an athlete and investigating the dancer from physiological, biomechanical and psychological perspectives, the aim of dance science is to enhance dance training practices and optimise the dancer’s potential as an elite performer.