The RAD at the House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group

On Wednesday 8 July, the RAD joined other major dance organisations at a House of Commons event showcasing the impact that dance has on health and wellbeing. 

The Royal Ballet and Opera, Dance United Yorkshire, and the Royal Academy of Dance (represented by Chief Executive, Elizabeth Honer and dance teacher, Sarah Platt) shared their experience of delivering creative health programmes in communities across the UK. The initiatives spanned all walks of life, from primary school aged children to older adults, and encapsulated different aspects of health and wellbeing including, ageing, addiction recovery, and children’s mental health. 

Elizabeth spoke of the RAD more broadly as well as her own personal experiences as a Silver Swan, while Sarah spoke from her experience as a Silver Swans teacher and of her involvement with the RAD’s Faculty of Education, Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project, from which Silver Swans was developed.

The discussions focused on advocacy for government support for dance activities to support the health and wellbeing of all, and attendees included representatives from One Dance UK, People Dancing, Scottish Ballet and a selection of MPs and Peers.

Commenting on the event, Elizabeth went on to say: “The Royal Academy of Dance is delighted to be working with RBO and Dance United Yorkshire to raise awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of dance.

Silver Swans has proven positive, transformative impacts on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of participants. In the words of one Silver Swan, ‘wellness and wellbeing for mind, body and spirit’.”