NRG - Youth Dance and Health Project

NRG was funded by the Joint Investment Fund for the Arts - a partnership between local authorities across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight and Arts Council England, South East

The NRG dance programme was developed in response to the healthy-living agenda and the need for increased physical activity levels of the young generation in particular. It aimed to promote dance as a fun, physical and creative activity, placing a strong emphasis on the health benefits of dance and inspiring young people to exercise.

Led by local dance practitioners, it combined fun, physical dance activity with creative tasks around health and science-based topics such as how the body works, the impact of exercise on the body and food as an energy source.

The project also had a strong research element led by the Dance Science Department of Laban, which measured the physiological impact and benefits of participation as well as changes in young people’s motivation and wellbeing.

The programme was delivered as part of the P.E, Dance, Science or PSHE curriculum and took place during school hours. It was aimed at years 7 to 9.

A CD Rom teaching resource based on the project has been produced. NRG: Be healthy through dance is a programme of creative dance ideas with a health focus, aimed at those working with young people. It includes practical ideas for warm up activities and sequences designed to raise the heart rate. It also has creative tasks focused around the workings of the body and healthy lifestyles.

If you would like to order this exciting new resource please visit www.egproducts.co.uk.