Reaching Horizons – dance and health in rural Cumbria
On settling in one of the most rural parts of the UK in 2011, I observed a growing appetite for dance in health amongst local health care practitioners and artists who recognise and value the benefits of the work.
However, whilst regional strategies were gradually emerging, very rural pockets, such as in my neighbouring county, Cumbria, tend to be missed so are without access to provision or sector knowledge.
In order to address this, over the course of the project I explored and developed my practice along side building a wider picture of the UK’s dance and health sector and how this could translate to rural locations.
Throughout the project, I delivered pilot programmes at Penrith Community hospital, Alston Cottage hospital, Penrith Day Hospice, Cumberland Infirmary a developed new dance for Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis group.
Further information about Reaching Horizons can be found in a reflective article I wrote for Animated. Animated article July 2017
