About this Event
This is not a conference about appearance. It is a conference about how body image affects participation, wellbeing, performance, health and culture in dance, and what we can do about it. Attendees leave with evidence-based knowledge, practical tools, meaningful connections, and concrete actions they can implement immediately.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival and networking
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome and Setting the Scene
Host: Erin Sanchez
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Body Image in Dance: Why It Matters
Host: David Donnelly
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
What Do We Hear: Body Image Across Dance Styles
Host: Romy Ashmore-Hills
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
BREAK
Concurrent sessions - CHOOSE TWO
Info: Concurrent sessions will run from 12:00-12:45, and repeat from 12:45-1:30
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 1: The Psychology of Body Image
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 2: Understanding RED-D: Research, recognition and response
Host: Karen Sheriff
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 3: Growing Up in Dance: Considerations for body image
Host: Dr Siobhan Mitchell
Info: The session will examine how puberty and adolescent development intersect with the unique demands and cultures of dance settings, highlighting what current research tells us about body image, maturation, wellbeing and participation. Drawing on qualitative research with dance teachers and young dancers, alongside insights from the Growing up in Dance (GuiDANCE) project and network, the presentation will explore how maturity timing, changing bodies and dance training environments can shape young people’s experiences.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 4: Body Image, Injury and the Professional Dancer
Host: Jonny Bucke
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 5: Nourishing the Dancer: The Impact of Body Image on Food & Fuelling
Host: Mhairi Keil
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
LUNCH
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Shaping Dance Culture: Perspectives from Dancers, Schools, and Companies
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Leading Change: Building Supportive Dance Environments and Healthy Dancers
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Networking
Event venue & nearby stays
Elmhurst Ballet School, 249 Bristol Road, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.