RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF A DANCE TO HEALTH DANCE ARTIST

INTRODUCTION
Dance to Health is a pioneering nationwide falls prevention dance programme for older people.
Combining evidence and physiotherapy with the creativity, expression and energy of dance it
reduces the risk of an older person suffering a fall.

NDCWales is excited to be partnering with Aesop, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health
Board and Arts Care Gofal Celf on this programme across Neath, Port Talbot, Swansea,
Bridgend and Carmarthenshire, starting in October 2017.

Dance to Health groups are organised by ABMU Health Board and will be in the community.
Participants will be over 65, and be at risk of injury from falls, or have suffered from falls in the
past, and may have been referred by their GP or have found the group themselves. The dance
artists will work together to create and deliver creative, fun and sociable dance sessions.

ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR A DANCE TO HEALTH DANCE ARTIST

Your role will be to lead a dance team delivering a falls prevention dance project. The key
responsibilities are:
Planning and delivering one session per week over a six month (or 26 session) period and
issuing homework amounting to 11 hours.
Ensuring that FaME and/or Otago physiotherapy principles are embedded in the dance
course.
In order to do this, you will complete a 5-day training course, delivered by Later Life Training
and Aesop Dance to Health, which will give you a thorough understanding of the FaME and
Otago physiotherapy exercise programmes and of the Dance to Health programme.
Ensuring key monitoring data is collected at the sessions.
Working with an Assistant Dance Artist and Peer Motivator(s) to deliver the sessions.

REQUIREMENTS OF A DANCE TO HEALTH DANCE ARTIST

Essential:
Has at least 2 years experience of teaching dance in the community
Has at least 2 years experience of teaching older participants
 Has experience of working in collaboration and taking the lead with others in a team (for
example support staff, shadowers, volunteers, dance assistants)
Can demonstrate an ability to devise appropriate classes enabling progression from various
starting points presented by individual participants
Has an understanding and proactive approach to inclusive practice and person centred
teaching
Is confident in using applications such as Dropbox and Excel

Desirable
Has knowledge of sports and/or dance therapy methods that can improve strength and
flexibility
Is passionate about working with older participants aged 60+
Has up to date DBS check
Full driving license and use of own car

Rate and Commitment:

150 per day, 37 55 days over the year, including:

Later Life/FAME and Otago training, which is accredited through additional online homework
(approx., 100 hours before November 2017, 14 hours of which must be completed before the 1st
training session):

21st and 22nd September, 5th and 6th October, either 14th , 15th or 16th November for final course
assessments (tbc).