What are YDance Research and Publications?
In addition to delivering high-quality dance programmes, YDance is committed to monitoring and evaluating the impact of dance on children and young people and the benefits for wider society.
Dance allows participants to develop their social and emotional intelligence through self-expression and physical exploration independently and with others. Dance participation can promote health and well-being, both mental and physical, and have a positive impact on young people’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
To evidence the benefits of dance for children and young people, YDance closely monitors each programme of work against three main outcomes which drive the company to meet its vision.
In addition to internal monitoring, YDance works in partnership with research and evaluation organisations to develop robust research reports which add to the existing knowledge base about the benefits of dance.
YDance staff contribute to a range of publications, podcasts and blogs across educational and dance sector outlets to promote the work of the company and raise the profile of youth dance in Scotland and elsewhere. Articles are regularly published in leading sector publications like Animated by People Dancing and One Dance UK.
Current research:
Shake It Up – Delivery of the Step It Up schools programme concluded in July 2023. A final impact study by the Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change at Glasgow University will be published in Autumn 2023, focusing on the impact of our Step It Up programme as a professional learning tool for teachers
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Shake It Up (2017-2020) - This four-year initiative funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation used dance to support improvements in attainment levels in primary schools. Shake It Up was designed to raise attainment for over 5000 primary school children in four local authority areas identified as part of the Scottish Government’s Attainment Challenge. A research and evaluation impact study was carried out by the Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change at the University of Glasgow.
YDance-Shake-It-Up-Programme-Evaluation-Final-Report.pdf
Cashback for Change (2020 – 2023) – Supported by the Scottish Government through Cashback for Communities, this project used dance and theatre to engage young people aged 10 -21 who are most at risk of displaying anti-social behaviours and/or entering the criminal justice system. The programme was evaluated by independent consultants Catch the Light.
Free to Dance (2009 – 2011) – a three year programme targeted at increasing physical activity levels for teenage girls in Ayrshire, Glasgow and Orkney. Independent evaluation by Catch the Light.
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Beyond the Physical – Using a multi-layered choreographic process in the studio to empower young dance artists. Anna Kenrick, Artistic Director, YDance One Dance UK Magazine, Spring 2023
Never a line drawn or a spark put out – Supporting visibility and challenging assumptions through youth dancer in Scotland. Anna Kenrick, Artistic Director, Kelly Shearer, Head of Participation, YDance Animated Magazine, People Dancing Winter 2023
Shaking Up Learning - reflections on YDance research projects ‘Shake It Up’ and ‘Step It Up’ which aim to raise attainment and support the confidence and skills of primary teachers delivering dance as part of the curriculum in Scottish primary schools. Linzi McLagan, Head of Education, YDance ResDance Podcast Spring 2023
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oukfI6Rhx27j4GbUDmz6z
Anchor for other platforms:
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The Time for Action - Using dance to achieve positive outcomes for young people across the country, to improve their mental and physical health, wellbeing and ambition. Linzi McLagan, Head of Education, YDance Education Today Spring (p32-33) 2021
Shake It Up - how the Shake It Up learning process helped bring another perspective to what was being learned in the classroom and assisted pupils to better conceptualise topics and knowledge in different but complementary ways. Linzi McLagan, Head of Education, YDance Children In Scotland Summer 2021
Grit – discussion on 'Grit' in dance with a review the work of Angela Duckworth who coined the term. The conversation explores what it is and why it's not only relevant to the 'T word', but more important than the 'T word'. Linzi McLagan, Head of Education, YDance Don’t Mention the T Word podcast Summer 2021
Shake It Up – how the Shake It Up learning process helped bring another perspective to what was being learned in the classroom and assisted pupils to better conceptualise topics and knowledge in different but complementary ways. Linzi McLagan, Head of Education, YDance One Dance UK Autumn 2021
Rule making, rule breaking - connection, mindset, dance, sport, talent and learning how to break the rules like an artist. Linzi McLagan, Head of Education, YDance Covid Connections podcast Summer 2021
Dancing through lessons - an innovative four-year programme to raise attainment using interdisciplinary learning. Linzi McLagan, Head of Education, YDance Teaching Scotland Spring (p34-35) 2020