Dance and Creative Wellness Foundation
Inspiring dialogue - elevating practice
A European initiative for quality artistic dance innovation in health and wellbeing
Dance and Creative Wellness Foundation Directors:
Clare Guss-West, Eldridge Labinjo, David Rodriguez
About
Empowering Through Dance
At the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation (D&CWF), we believe in the transformative power of dance to enhance health and well-being for individuals and communities. As a leading European initiative, we promote innovation, collaboration, and best practices in artistic applied dance both in cultural and healthcare contexts, connecting
a wide range of stakeholders.
Today, the world faces critical health challenges, including Alzheimer's, chronic mental health disorders, obesity, and the increasing aging population. In response to these global concerns, organizations such as the World Economic Forum and the EU Health Strategy are calling for innovative, preventative approaches. The Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation is at the forefront of this movement, leveraging the universal language of dance to improve physical, mental, and social health. Dance transcends cultural and age barriers, offering a proactive, accessible solution to these pressing health issues. By integrating dance into wellness programs, we provide an effective, evidence-based approach that enhances individual well-being, fosters community health, and strengthens social cohesion.
What We Do
We elevate and validate the role of dance in health and wellness
We serve as ambassadors for dance as a key component
of preventive and supportive healthcare
Knowledge transfer
Facilitating collaboration between artists, healthcare professionals, researchers and policy makers.
Innovation
Fostering innovation, training, and professional development in artistic applied dance.
Best practices
Sharing and sustaining best practices through evidence-based research and cross-sector partnerships.
Who We Are
Statutory Directors
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Advisory Board
Our Expert Support
Edith Wolf-Perez - Austria
Pauline Hasse - Norway
Jordi Baltà Portolés - Spain
Nicholas Kahn - France
Peter Lewton-Brain - Monaco
Projects
Youth Innovation Panel
Recruitment for the Youth Innovation Panel
Are you between 15 and 25 years old and passionate about making a difference in the arts?
Apply to join the Youth Innovation Panel of the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation and help shape the future of how dance, music, and cultural spaces can address some of the challenges, needs, and desires of young people today.
This is your chance to voice your opinions, influence real change, and collaborate with leading cultural organisations to create innovative ideas and solutions, while also connecting with other passionate young people across Europe!
Commitment: Panel members will meet once a month online for a 45-minute session, discussing and brainstorming new ways to improve access and participation in cultural spaces, especially through dance and music. There may also be opportunities to participate in events and discussions on access to the arts.
Your insights could unlock new possibilities that resonate with young people of your generation.
Link: Youth Innovation Panel application
Application deadline: Monday 11th November
Projects
Inspiring dialogue - elevating practice
Discover stories of change and hope through our initiatives.
2024 - Connect - dancing with neurological challenges
Providing expertise and project development for Zurich Ballet, Tonhalle Orchestra and Kunst Haus
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2023 - Falling Forwards Faster
Opportunities for diversity, inclusion and belonging in Dance for Health. Transatlantic collaboration with Mark Morris Dance Group, US and Fontys Academy of Arts, NL.
2018 - Moving Towards Mental Wellbeing
The D&CW Foundation invited by the European Parliament to move MEPs and advocate for Dance and Mental Health
2024 - From Young to Wise
Holland Dance Festival in collaboration with D&CW on the impact of intergenerational initiatives
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2022 - A Roadmap for Dance in Health Care
D&CW annual Forum and on line CPD in collaboration with Holland Dance Festival
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2018 - The Creative Body - Dancing to Wellness
D&CW annual Forum and teaching artists CPD hosted by Ballet Preljocaj, France
Contact
Get in touch!
Reach out to the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation for inquiries or collaborations promoting health through dance.
Experience the transformative power of dance and creativity with opportunities to support community wellness. You can volunteer your time or skills, and be part of meaningful change today!
