'There is a place for everybody': circle dance promoting well-being

Borges da Costa, Ana ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1124-0694 and Cox, Diane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2691-6423 (2019) 'There is a place for everybody': circle dance promoting well-being. In: Occupational Science Europe Conference 2019: Europe in Transition: Impact on Occupation and Health, 30-31 August 2019, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Introduction: Circle dance derives from the tradition of folk dance and historically has been a popular form of dance throughout the world (Borges da Costa & Cox, 2016). Characterised by being vast and diverse, the circle dance repertoire includes traditional dances from different countries and cultures in addition to contemporary choreographies. As a shared occupation, the integration and inclusion of the participants is a fundamental aspect of circle dance.

Objectives: This paper provides a brief analytical outline of the first author's doctoral research in which the potential contribution of circle dance to wellbeing was explored through the subject fields of occupational therapy and occupational science. The overall focus of this investigation was to develop an understanding of the complexity and meanings that participants attribute to circle dance and its impact on their sense of wellbeing, generating a detailed knowledge of the process of being engaged in this shared occupation.

Method: Using a constructivist approach to grounded theory (Charma, 2006), thirty nine in-depth interviews were conducted with participants, teachers and coordinators of teacher training programmes from the circle dance network in the United Kingdom (UK). The process of analysis culminated with the development of three major categories, representing the meanings and experiences of circle dance participants, teachers and training coordinator, and one core category.

Results: The findings reflect the occupational experience of a diversity of people and explore correlations to the concept of serious leisure (Stebbins, 2008) and engaging occupation (Jonsson, 2008). From an occupational perspective, this study provides an in-depth exploration of how participants realise a sense of meaning, and purpose and satisfaction through engagement in circle dance and the potential contribution of this occupation to well-being.

Conclusion: This paper will present the findings of this qualitative study and explore its contribution to knowledge, informing occupational therapy and occupational science practice and advancing occupation-based knowledge in the field of leisure, physical activity and well-being.

Bibliography:
Borges da Costa, A.L., Cox, D.L. (2016) The experience of meaning in circle dance.Journal of Occupational Science, 23(2), 196- 207.
Charmaz, K. (2006) Constructing grounded theory: a practical guide through qualitative analysis. London: Sage Publications. Jonsson, H. (2008) A new direction in the conceptualization and categorization of occupation. Journal of Occupational Science, 15 (1), 3-8.
Stebbins, R.A. (2007) Serious leisure: a perspective for our time. New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction Publishers.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Departments:	Academic Departments > Health, Psychology & Social Studies (HPSS) > Rehabilitation
Additional Information:	Research Paper Presentation ID: 122.
Depositing User:	Ana Borges da Costa
Date Deposited:	19 Sep 2019 15:11
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2024 09:49
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/5083

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