Current evidence suggests that dance offers significant benefits for children's development and wellbeing, beginning in the early years with demonstrated improvements in self-expression, self- awareness, identity, and social and emotional learning skills. More broadly the evidence also suggests that activities like dance can also enhance developmental maturity and school readiness.

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The "Creative Health Review Report" highlights that for primary-age children, participation in dance has been shown to increase feelings of being creative, fit, well, happier, and more confident, with educators observing improvements in class engagement, listening skills, behaviour, creativity, social, and literacy skills. For early years the scoping review for WHO suggests that there are benefits for bonding, communication, cognitive skills, future well-being and educational outcomes and for children with additional needs, dance has been found to improve self-care, communication, psychosocial adjustment, and overall functioning.

This evaluation report considers this national evidence alongside the findings and impact of Dance in the Dark in order to explore the future potential for scaling up the project, increase access and widen reach.​

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Download a copy of the full report by Angela Conlan

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‘Dance in the Dark’ helped children reframe their perception of darkness, build confidence through interactive elements and feel relaxed in a supportive environment. These findings provide initial evidence of the show’s role in promoting positive ‘sleep hygiene’ for children.

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Within the six identified themes - Interactive elements, Positive Bedtime Routine, Music, Caregiver Role, Bedtime Discussion and Safe, Sensory Environments - a diverse range of active ingredients is embedded throughout the show. Active ingredients draw from the Social Biobehavioural Research Group’s INNATE framework and refer to the specific creative components that shape social and emotional experiences. In ‘Dance in the Dark’, these include elements such as movement, music, props, and sensory play, all of which contribute to the show’s immersive and reassuring, safe environment. Further analysis and categorisation of these elements would deepen our understanding of how they function within the show and their influence on children’s emotional responses. Expanding this research would strengthen the evidence base for ‘Dance in the Dark’ as an effective Public Health Tool, highlighting its potential to support children’s overall wellbeing by promoting positive ‘sleep hygiene’.

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Download a copy of the Dance in the Dark case study by Kathleen Wright, Public Health Research Officer, Midlands Arts Centre

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