MY DANCING DAYS

2019, Trauma Ward 4, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford

Tiffany Black and dance artist Angela Conlan worked over a period of three months with seventy-seven patients in this research-based arts and dance project based on the ward.  Working with Public Health England’s Arts for Health and Wellbeing evaluation framework – Arts Observations score card, senior ward staff were asked to note spontaneous responses from the patients and staff and report back to the project team.  With the average age of the participants around 75 years, Tiffany and Angela introduced and offered movement, music and drawing activities to individual, mostly bed bound patients as and when they requested or felt it might be of interest.  In some instances this was a one-off session and for others repeated over several weeks.  The methods used for mark making were managed using both digital and traditional drawing methods depending on the patients physical abilities or preference and gradually a personalised image relating to their own personal life journey or event of their choice was illustrated.   Movement was introduced with music, using lightweight objects to catch or ‘dance’ with; feathers, ribbons, scarves etc.  Music was selected by the patient and a dialogue between the dance artist and the patient took place, often recounting stories or moments from their own lives when certain music had been of importance or brought pleasure.   The outcomes of the evaluation found that increased levels of happiness, relaxation and distractions were reported.  Patients with dementia and fractures were two of the groups who benefitted the most and staff noticed positive mood changes in patients lasting up to 2 hours after the activity sessions.  Recommendations to improve the ward environment were also identified as a result of the project.    

Work location: In patient rooms and corridors of Ward 4, John Radcliffe Hospital.

Date: 2019
Funding: Oxford Hospital’s Charity (OHC)
Acknowledgments:  With thanks to all the patients and their families who enabled both artists to learn and work with them alongside such supportive clinicians and staff on such a rewarding and insightful project.  Thanks also to the vital support and guidance given by Ruth Charity, Project Manager.