Reflecting on the social value of movement and dance

Claire Farmer; Kathryn Stamp; Ricky  Boardman; Alexandra  Balfour; Siân Hopkins

doi:10.1177/17579139251359949

Reflecting on the social value of movement and dance

Claire Farmer
, Kathryn Stamp
, Ricky Boardman
, Alexandra Balfour
, Siân Hopkins

Research Centre for Dance Research

Sport and Recreation Alliance
Middlesex University
Buckinghamshire New University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

Aims:
This article explores the social value of movement and dance in England, highlighting its contribution to public health, individual well-being, and community development.

Methods:
The report synthesises data from multiple sources, and quantifies the social value of movement and dance.

Results:
Findings indicate that movement and dance contribute £3.5 billion in social value, including £430 million in healthcare savings and a £2.1 billion uplift in mental well-being. Evidence movement and dance foster physical health benefits comparable to other exercise forms while providing unique psychological and social advantages.

Conclusions:
Movement and dance play a vital role in public health by preventing illness, improving mental well-being, and fostering community engagement. To maximise its impact, greater integration within health practices, funding, research investment and policy engagement is needed.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	(In-Press)
Number of pages	3
Journal	Perspectives in Public Health
Volume	(In-Press)
Early online date	2 Sept 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/17579139251359949
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 2 Sept 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

dance
physical activity
mental health
movement
social value

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10.1177/17579139251359949Licence: CC BY

Perspectives in Public Health Peer Review FinalAccepted author manuscript, 380 KB
Stamp2025VORFinal published version, 467 KBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

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AU - Farmer, Claire

AU - Stamp, Kathryn

AU - Boardman, Ricky

AU - Balfour, Alexandra

AU - Hopkins, Siân

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Y1 - 2025/9/2

N2 - Aims: This article explores the social value of movement and dance in England, highlighting its contribution to public health, individual well-being, and community development. Methods: The report synthesises data from multiple sources, and quantifies the social value of movement and dance. Results: Findings indicate that movement and dance contribute £3.5 billion in social value, including £430 million in healthcare savings and a £2.1 billion uplift in mental well-being. Evidence movement and dance foster physical health benefits comparable to other exercise forms while providing unique psychological and social advantages. Conclusions: Movement and dance play a vital role in public health by preventing illness, improving mental well-being, and fostering community engagement. To maximise its impact, greater integration within health practices, funding, research investment and policy engagement is needed.

AB - Aims: This article explores the social value of movement and dance in England, highlighting its contribution to public health, individual well-being, and community development. Methods: The report synthesises data from multiple sources, and quantifies the social value of movement and dance. Results: Findings indicate that movement and dance contribute £3.5 billion in social value, including £430 million in healthcare savings and a £2.1 billion uplift in mental well-being. Evidence movement and dance foster physical health benefits comparable to other exercise forms while providing unique psychological and social advantages. Conclusions: Movement and dance play a vital role in public health by preventing illness, improving mental well-being, and fostering community engagement. To maximise its impact, greater integration within health practices, funding, research investment and policy engagement is needed.

KW - dance

KW - physical activity

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DO - 10.1177/17579139251359949

M3 - Article

SN - 1757-9139

VL - (In-Press)

SP - (In-Press)

JO - Perspectives in Public Health

JF - Perspectives in Public Health

ER -

Reflecting on the social value of movement and dance

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

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