Using Ripple Effects Mapping to understand the longer-term impacts of delivering a dance programme for older adults on dance artists

Background: The dance workforce plays a central role in delivering arts and health programmes yet there is little exploration of how programme delivery impacts dance artists in a professional or personal capacity. This study explored the experiences of dance artists delivering Dance On, which engages inactive older people 55yrs+.

Methods: Ripple Effects Mapping was used to explore the short- and long term experiences and practices of dance artists delivering a dance programme.

Findings: Two ripples were developed 1) Becoming a specialist 2) Connecting with communities. These ripples highlighted the strengths of the sustained nature of the programme and emphasised the need for ongoing support from employing organisations, communities, and dance artist peers.

Conclusion: This study showcases the central role dance artists play in upholding the outcomes we observe in arts and health work–their role, expertise, and commitment to programmes should be further illuminated and supported through ongoing discourse about their practice.