The Song of the Body

Book excerpt: The Song of the Body: Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing is a fascinating and highly researched look at dance as a profession, an industry and a hobby. The book celebrates dance as a powerful means of enhancing physical and emotional health at all stages of life and considers dance and lifelong wellbeing from the perspectives of the young through to older adults. This beautifully produced collection includes profiles of dance luminaries such as Gillian Lynne and Robert Cohan as well as commentary from dancers, directors, teachers and dance agencies and companies including Step into Dance, Growing Older (Dis)gracefully and Dance UK. The book approaches a broad selection of culturally relevant and significant topics, from how dance can aid the mental and physical health of older adults, to how it can enrich the lives of the young. Other topics include how dance can help adults with learning disabilities overcome barriers to wellbeing, as well as posing the question 'who cares about the health and professional wellbeing of professional dancers?' With a foreword by renowned ex-prima ballerina and RAD president Darcey Bussell CBE and with stunning colour photographs throughout, The Song of the Body is a must have addition to the bookshelves of anyone with a professional or personal interest in dance and wellbeing.