CDSS Resource Portal: The Benefits of Our Shared Traditions

Introduction

This section of the CDSS Resource Portal contains a wide range of resources regarding the benefits of our shared participatory traditions. We hope that these resources spark personal interest as well as provide support to those who are advocating for our shared traditions.

Do you know of a resource that we could add or update? Have comments regarding the portal? Email portal@cdss.org.

Special note: The sections on dance, music, and song each contain resources specific to those activities. However, the participatory arts in general section is a great place to start as it contains many fantastic resources that cross dance, music, and song.

An introduction to the benefits of our shared traditions:

As we all know - the benefits of traditional dance, music, and song are extensive! The challenge is that many benefits are difficult to consciously identify by participants or measure by researchers. The CDSS surveys of Canadian and US organizers (2016 and 2018) as well as the 2019 survey of CDSS Affiliates gave us some insight into the benefits as identified by the traditional dance music and song community.

Benefits to individuals:

Physical health (e.g., a generally active lifestyle; specific benefits such as heart health)
Cognitive benefits (e.g., playing music supports the development of childrens’ reading skills)
Psychological/emotional health (e.g., brings happiness/joy; strengthens a positive sense of self-identity; builds self esteem and empowers people; is helpful during times of personal challenge)
As a source of social life/relationships (e.g., events are a place to socialize, meet new friends or a life partner; events help people feel like they are part of a community; events provide a rare opportunity for socializing across generations)
Building skills (e.g., participants can learn how to play an instrument or develop social skills)
Strengthening families (e.g., activities are a positive social space for parents and children to connect within community)
Provides a connection to heritage and histories (e.g., participation creates a sense of grounding with the past)
Transformative (i.e., changing the direction of one’s life such as defining a new career path)
Other benefits to individuals (e.g., ways for individuals to connect across generations)

Benefits to the local community and wider society:

Builds a sense of community and place locally (e.g., adds to the identity of a place)
Creates an opportunity to build an inclusive community as well as social cohesion in a broad sense (i.e., the activities can cross barriers such as race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, background, ability, religion, and politics). They also build social cohesion by challenging more of the virtual/consumer-driven approaches to life.
Financial impact (e.g., hall rentals support local facilities; events attract residents and visitors; healthier citizens lessen the impact on the health system)
Increases civic participation (i.e., our activities require volunteer energy and therefore create an entry point to further civic engagement)
Adds to the cultural diversity within society

Benefits of Participatory Arts in General

This section contains resources that cite the benefits of participatory arts in general or as a combination of dance, music, and/or song.

Some highlights include:

CDSS’s 2016 survey of Canadian organizers and 2018 survey of US organizers which include references to a range of benefits identified by traditional dance, music, and song organizers.
There are a number of fantastic national and regional reports including the impact of the arts on learning, the importance of the arts on belonging, and how the arts support positive change in communities.

A review of the academic literature on how the arts impact communities.

CDSS Publications

Title	More information	Scope
American Week, Pinewoods 2014	CDSS Blog: June 2015 Chuck Abell Chuck reflects on his experience attending a CDSS camp and how he developed as a dance dance musician through the various learning opportunities offered throughout the week.	CDSS-related tradition
What We Believe ― Building Family	CDSS News: Fall 2014 Rima Dael A statement from CDSS’s Executive Director on how dance, music and song build family and community as well as changes lives	CDSS-related tradition
Doing Important Fun ~ A Conversation with Rima Dael, CDSS Executive Director	CDSS News: April 2012 Caroline Batson Executive Director Rim Dael reflects on the value of participatory arts as part of a broader interview when she arrived at CDSS.	CDSS-related tradition
NOMAD: Now More Than Ever ~ A Personal Reflection	CDSS News: Nov/Dec 2002 Barbara Ruth A reflection on how NOMAD encourages appreciation and valuing of a wide range of cultures and how it helps build connection and community.	CDSS-related tradition
Letter from Executive Director Katy German	CDSS News: Winter 2017-18 Katy German A statement from CDSS’s Executive Director describing the power of traditional dance music and song.	CDSS-related tradition
It’s the Same Joy Everywhere	CDSS News: Spring 2017 Alice Boyle This article describes the joy of dancing (and playing for dancing) in different contexts and how both can be incredible experiences - both famous dance halls and in small local barns. The article mentions some of the benefits of dance in terms of how it brings people together.	CDSS-related tradition
Advocating for our arts: CDSS and the North American Conversation on Participatory Arts	CDSS News: Summer 2018 A brief description on the importance of advocacy work generally in addition to a summary CDSS's recent advocacy work.	CDSS-related tradition
Announcing the Legacy of Joy Society: John Dexter's Story	CDSS News: Summer 2018 A personal account from a CDSS donor expressing the power of traditional dance and music.	CDSS-related tradition
Traditional Dance, Music and Song in Canada – A Survey of Local Organizers Danse, Musique et Chants Traditionnels au Canada - Sondage auprès des Organisateurs Locaux	CDSS: 2017 Emily Addison A report summarizing an extensive survey of organizers from throughout Canada. A section of the report includes findings regarding the power of traditional dance, music, and song to impact individuals, local communities, and society.	CDSS-related tradition
US Survey of Traditional Dance, Music and Song Organizers	CDSS: 2018 Emily Addison A report summarizing an extensive survey of organizers from throughout the US. A section of the report includes findings regarding the power of traditional dance, music, and song to impact individuals, local communities, and society.	CDSS-related tradition

National or Regional Reports

Title	More information	Scope
Health Evidence Network Synthesis Report 67	World Health Organization: 2019 This report outlines evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being. Over 900 academic publications covering over 3000 studies were reviewed as part of the development of the report.	Broader scope
Creating Healthy Community Through Cross-Sector Collaboration	University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine/ArtPlace America: 2019 This paper presents a case for how collaboration among the public health, arts and culture, and community development sectors is critical to addressing the issues and conditions that limit health in America.	Broader scope
Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing	UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing: 2017 This report covers a wide range of topics, with references to academic literature. IT looks at the arts as social determinents of health and wellbeing, the policy & funding landscape, arts as it relates to various stages of life, and much more.	Broader scope
Rhode Island Arts and Health Plan	State of Rhode Island - Department of Health This webpage contains information about Rhode Island’s State Aarts and Health Plan - a roadmap for advancing the integration of arts and health for the state.	Broader scope
Strengthening Rural Economies through the Arts	National Governors Association Center for Best Practices: 2005 "Rural communities across the are confronting economic development issues through the arts. In support of these efforts, many states have created arts-based economic development strategies to improve quality of life, increase tax revenue, cultivate jobs, bring in new businesses, stimulate the economy, and attract more residents, workers, and visitors. Policy examples illustrate the role numerous states are playing in rural arts development and the positive impact it is having on the revitalization of rural areas."	Broader scope
How Arts and Cultural Strategies Enhance Community Engagement and Participation	American Planning Association: 2011 "Community engagement is the process of public participation and involvement that promotes relationship building through learning, action, and the expression of needs and values. Community engagement can bring vibrancy and innovation to planning practice by strengthening the degree of public commitment to planning processes and making more perspectives available to decision makers." ...“Creative tools for community engagement include innovative visual-art techniques, storytelling, social-networking technology, exhibits, music, performance, festivals, and community gatherings….promote community engagement by strengthening the process of understanding and exploring community values.”	Broader scope
Developing and Revitalizing Rural Communities Through Arts and Creativity: An International Literature Review and Inventory of Resources	Creative City Network of Canada: 2009 "This paper provides an overview of English-language academic research literature and policy related studies with respect to cultural development in rural communities. The paper is organized into four sections: (1) The nature of arts and cultural activity in rural communities ... (2) The community context for the arts development and vitality ... (3)The role of the arts in economic diversification and revitalization ... (4) . Governance strategies and initiatives. A set of case study examples accompanies this paper to illustrate the variety of ways arts and cultural/creative development is being pursued in the revitalization of Canadian rural communities (Annex A)."	Broader scope
Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning	In cooperation with the Arts Education Partnership and the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities: 1999 This 98 page document compiles seven significant articles regarding the role that the arts can play in the social and intellectual development of young people. “"This report identifies how involvement with the arts provides unparalleled opportunities for learning that enables young people to reach for and attain higher levels of achievement. The research provides examples of and evidence why the arts should be more widely recognized for their current and potential contributions to the improvement of U.S. education. “	Broader scope
Guide to Community-Engaged Research in Arts and Health	The National Endowment for the Arts: 2016	Broader scope
Vital Signs: Arts and Belonging	Community Foundations of Canada and Canadian Arts Presenting Association: April 2017 This national report…”looks closely at how arts and culture, in all its forms, make our communities better places to live by helping people to better understand their identity and connect through shared arts experiences. The publication draws on community knowledge, a range of government and local data sources, and deeper analysis of responses from a 2015 cross-country survey conducted with the Angus Reid Institute that asked Canadians what it means to belong and be involved community activity.”	Broader scope
Arts and Positive Change in Communities	Creative City Network of Canada: 2015 “Arts and culture make considerable and necessary contributions to the well-being of communities. Arts and culture are powerful tools with which to engage communities in various levels of change. They are a means to public dialogue, contribute to the development of a community’s creative learning, create healthy communities capable of action, provide a powerful tool for community mobilization and activism, and help build community capacity and leadership.”	Broader scope
Supporting Healthy Community Through Arts Programs	Government of Australia: 2014 “By reviewing the research literature, this paper considers the role of the arts in building and supporting healthy communities. It examines what works, what doesn't, and what further research is needed. The author recommends this paper be read in conjunction with an earlier paper on the role of sporting and recreational programs in supporting healthy communities, as the literature indicates remarkably similar groups of benefits between arts, sports, and recreation programs.”	Broader scope
Arts & the Economy: Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development	National Governors Association Centre for Best Practices: 2009 “Arts and culture are important to state economies. Arts and culture-related industries, also known as “creative industries,” provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: They create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases. These industries also provide an array of other benefits, such as infusing other industries with creative insight for their products and services and preparing workers to participate in the contemporary workforce. In addition, because they enhance quality of life, the arts and culture are an important complement to community development, enriching local amenities and attracting young professionals to an area.”	Broader scope

Academic Publications (e.g., journal articles; books)

Title	More information	Scope
Database of Arts in Medicine	University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine This is a database of recent peer-reviewed publications relating to arts in medicine.	Broader scope
Pilot Data on Effects of Community Dance for Healing from PTSD	Journal of Veterans Studies: 2019 Robin Gustafson et al This journal article reports preliminary data that ex-military and their family members have improved feelings of connection and optimism after participating in the Dancing Well community dance program. Possible reasons for this finding are also discussed.	Broader scope
How the Arts Impact Communities: An introduction to the literature on arts impact studies	Working paper: 2002 Joshua Guetzkow An extensive review of the literature regarding the impact of arts.	Broader scope
Arts programming may help lower stress in economically disadvantaged preschoolers	Summary document of a study that appears in Child Development, 2016 “A new study has found that intensive arts programs–music, dance, and visual arts–may address this phenomenon by lowering the stress levels of economically disadvantaged preschoolers, as measured through cortisol.”	Broader scope
Leisure Activities and the Risk of Dementia in the Elderly	The New England Journal of Medicine: 2003	Broader scope

Newspaper & Online Articles

Title	More information	Scope
The Culture Cure: How Prescription Art is Lifting People Out of Depression	The Guardian: 2019 This article focuses on the Danish context.	Broader scope
Program Opens Cultural Doors to Low-Income Families	Daily Hampshire Gazette: 2020 This article describes a new program in Massachusetts that provides free admission to cultural attractions throughout the state.	Broader scope
Finding the Proper Place for the Arts in Education	Multi Briefs: 2017 6-part series of the importance of arts in education including articles on both dance and music.	Broader scope
Your Brain and Singing: Why Singing in a Choir Makes you Happier	The Choral Directors’ Management Magazine: 2020 Jaime Babbitt As the title suggests	Broader scope

Other Resources (e.g., websites; videos)

Title	More information	Scope
Arts with the Brain in Mind	2001: ASCD Eric Jensen This book explores the effect of arts on the brain, learning, and human development.There are specific sections about music and dance. (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope
5 Ways Arts Projects Can Improve Struggling Communities	Project for Public Spaces: 2009	Broader scope
An End-Of-Year Message From Anita Walker	Mass Cultural Council: 2018	Broader scope

Title

More information

Scope

Arts with the Brain in Mind

2001: ASCD

Eric Jensen

This book explores the effect of arts on the brain, learning, and human development.There are specific sections about music and dance.

(Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)

Broader scope

5 Ways Arts Projects Can Improve Struggling Communities

Project for Public Spaces: 2009

Broader scope

An End-Of-Year Message From Anita Walker

Mass Cultural Council: 2018

Broader scope

Benefits of Dance

This section contains resources citing the benefits of dance.

Some highlights include:

An academic paper on the impact that contra and English country dance have on the white matter (brains) of older adults.
An article in the NY Times on the benefits of dance on the brain. (The article references contra dance.)
An article in the CDSS News on the reasons to try contra dancing, including reflection on the benefits.

Note: The resources in this section focus solely on dance. There are other resources citing the benefits of dance (in conjunction with song and/or music) located in this section.

CDSS Publications

Title	More information	Scope
Making the World a More Beautiful Place	CDSS Blog: June 2016 Chris Ricciotti Through this CDSS blog post, Chris describes how traditional dance can be a very positive community space for members of the LGBTQ community.	CDSS-related tradition
Math, Music and Contra Dance	CDSS Blog: December 2014 Lena Erickson This article looks at the connection between mathematics and contra, and what the dancing means to one mathematician.	CDSS-related tradition
“Don’t Stop Dancing,” author tells symposium	CDSS Blog: April 2012 Judy Chaves Judy describes how she demonstrated English country dance to Vermont's annual Gerontology Symposium as a way to support older adults	CDSS-related tradition
Stories of Dancing with Veterans with PTSD or TBI	CDSS Blog: December 2012 Deborah Denenfeld Deborah describes the positive impact of traditional dance on two veterans that she's worked with.	CDSS-related tradition
Why Dance in China?	CDSS News: Fall 2017 Susan L. English This article describes a how a group of young American dancers visited China on a cultural exchange with the goal of sharing the joy of traditional dance. The results included broadening horizons, building interpersonal relationships, and developing a sense of community - among other benefits.	CDSS-related tradition
Connecting and Letting Go and the Yin-Yang of Contra	CDSS News: Spring 2017 Lisa Marie Lunt An article talking about the links between contra and mindfulness including the notion of connecting and letting go and how contra dance provides opportunities for meaningful connection. Also the connection between mind and body.	CDSS-related tradition
What Dancing Taught Me	CDSS News: Fall 2016 Laurel Owen A first person account of how dancing taught the author much about life including how interact with others, how to develop meaningful connections, how to embody grace, deal with change and more.	CDSS-related tradition
News from Canada – An Imposter at Puttin' On the Dance 2	CDSS News: Summer 2015 Siri Paulson A first person account of how the traditional dance community (especially around organizing) can be a place of belonging and healing for individual and provide positive personal growth.	CDSS-related tradition
Community Dance Works Wonders for Veterans with PTSD and Brain Injuries	CDSS News: Winter 2014-15 Deborah Denenfeld & Jean Borger As the title describes - an article describing how community dance supports veterans. This includes joy, a sense of belonging, improved mood and memory, decreased anxiety, decreased pain and more.	CDSS-related tradition
News from Canada: Finding My Tribe and Bringing It Home	CDSS News: Winter 2013-14 Janice Ferri A first-person story about stepping out of one’s comfort zone to try contra dance, loving it and then starting their own series. Includes a brief reflection on why they love the dancing in terms of a sense of belonging.	CDSS-related tradition
Dancing the Dance, an essay	CDSS News: Winter 2012-13 Tom Webb This article includes reflections on the how the repetitive nature of the dance allows for exploration of the moves over time, build connection with the other dancers, and shift dancing depending on the other dancers.	CDSS-related tradition
“More Dancing!”	CDSS News: Winter 2012 Lynn Unger A first-person account at ‘choosing joy’ by keeping a new years resolution to do ‘more dancing’.	CDSS-related tradition
Dance Local!	CDSS News: Spring 2012 Dragan Gill The article advocates for dancers to ‘dance local’. The article addresses the advantages for supporting the local economy, community relationships more broadly, keeping dances accessible geographically, spreading dancers over various communities, and supporting learning and stewardship.	CDSS-related tradition
News from Canada - Mayne, the Little Island that Dances	CDSS News: Winter 2012 Lael Whitehead This article describes how country dance added to community life on a small island and the benefits of country dance (e.g., connection; inclusivity; joy; life-affirming; community-strengthening).	CDSS-related tradition
We Are Not Alone	CDSS News: Winter 2012 Linda Henry This article describes the importance of bringing dance organizers together at a conference. Benefits include not only the learning but also rejuvenation, having fun together, and building community across organizers.	CDSS-related tradition
Traditional Dance for Soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder	CDSS News: Summer 2011 Deborah Denenfeld This article describes the positive impact of traditional dance on soldiers who have PTSD and/or brain injuries. Benefits include improved mood, group functioning, the opportunity for informal group support, socializing, improved family relations, reduced anxiety and more.	CDSS-related tradition
One Hundred Years of Morris Dancing in America	CDSS News: Winter 2010 Rhett Krause This article reflects on the history of morris dance in the US including how in the early 20th century, morris dance was used as a form of physical exercise for students to support health, development of morals. In addition, folk dance was seen as positive as it reconnected immigrants to their traditions and it was suitable for girls. The article identifies early promoters of folk dance in the US.	CDSS-related tradition
International Money Musk Moment Unites Dancers in Four Countries	CDSS News: Summer 2009 Authors: David Millstone & David Smukler This article describes the organization of the “Money Musk Moment”. It includes reflection on what dancers got out of the moment (feeling of connection to wider community; exposure to different aspects of dance).	CDSS-related tradition
Money Musk in Verse and Prose	CDSS News: Summer 2009 Authors: Nils Fredland, Dudley Laufman, Sinclair Lewis Reflections on the dance Money Musk, including its magic and what it offers dancers and the community.	CDSS-related tradition
Hands Four	CDSS News: Jan/Feb 2003 Greg Rohde This article describes many of the positive aspects to contra dance including its simplicity, everyone dancing together, the playfulness, welcoming and patient nature of dancers and more. It also reflects on how contra dance is a positive space for people who are single, how the dance itself encourages connection, and how the dance encourage the state of flow.	CDSS-related tradition
Contra Wabi-Sabi	CDSS News: July/Aug 2002 Marcia Michael A first-person story about attending one’s first contra dance including some of the great aspects of contra/what dancers can get out participating.	CDSS-related tradition
"Splendid Stuff For…The Boys" (1917)	CDSS News: republished in the CDSS News, date unknown Cecil Sharp This is a copy of a letter found in CDSS’ files written during WWI talking about introducing country dance, rapper and morris to the men and women at war.	CDSS-related tradition
Stories from the CDSS Legacy of Joy Society: Dave Pokorney and Jolaine Jones-Pokorney	CDSS News: Fall 2018 A personal account from two donors expressing the power of traditional dance within the context of CDSS's work.	CDSS-related tradition
Stories from the CDSS Legacy of Joy Society: Beverly Francis and David Chandler	CDSS News: Spring 2019 A personal account from a CDSS donor expressing the power of traditional dance.	CDSS-related tradition
Stories from the CDSS Legacy of Joy Society: Jane Srivastava	CDSS News: Summer 2019 A personal account from a donor expressing the power of traditional dance within the context of CDSS's work.	CDSS-related tradition
Farewell, I Must be Gone: A Reflection	CDSS News: Winter 2014-2015 Emma Breslow A personal account of CDSS campers week, speaking to impact of the experience.	CDSS-related tradition
The Power of Giving	CDSS News: Fall 2014 Authors: Robin Hayden with Nancy Boyd and Sanna Logden A description from one donor regarding the impact of traditional dance within the context of CDSS's work.	CDSS-related tradition

National or Regional Reports

Academic Publications (e.g., journal articles; books)

Title	More information	Scope
Dancing to Learn	2014 Judith Hanna “Dancing to Learn: Cognition, Emotion, and Movement explores the rationale for dance as a medium of learning to help engage educators and scientists to explore the underpinnings of dance, and dancers as well as members of the general public who are curious about new ways of comprehending dance. Among policy-makers, teachers, and parents, there is a heightened concern for successful pedagogical strategies. They want to know what can work with learners. This book approaches the subject of learning in, about, and through dance by triangulating knowledge from the arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and cognitive and neurological sciences to challenge dismissive views of the cognitive importance of the physical dance. Insights come from theories and research findings in aesthetics, anthropology, cognitive science, dance, education, feminist theory, linguistics, neuroscience, phenomenology, psychology, and sociology. Using a single theory puts blinders on to other ways of description and analysis. Of course, all knowledge is tentative. Experiments necessarily must focus on a narrow topic and often use a special demographic—university students, and we don’t know the representativeness of case studies.”	Broader scope
Dancing or Fitness Sport? The Effects of Two Training Programs on Hippocampal Plasticity and Balance Abilities in Healthy Seniors	Frontiers in Human Neuroscience: 2017	Broader scope
New review sheds light on why dance is not only about sex and beauty: Study suggests that these beneficial functions of dance are biologically are at least as important as any beauty or courtship benefits	City University of London website: 2017	Broader scope
Evidence based physical activity for school-age youth	The Journal of Pediatrics: 2005 Authors: WB Strong et al. Large literature review of 850 academic articles on the impact of physical activity on youth.	Broader scope
Dance education around the world: Perspectives on dance, young people and change	Routledge: 2015 Editors: Charlotte Svendler Nielsen & Stephanie Burridge Includes reflections from around the world regarding the impact of dance.	Unknown
White Matter Integrity Declined Over 6 Months, but Dance Intervention Improved Integrity of the Fornix of Older Adults	Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience: 2017	CDSS-related tradition

Newspaper & Online Articles

Title	More information	Scope
The Power of Touch - and Contra Dancing	2014: The Sisterhood (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope
Can We Touch? Physical contact remains vital to health, even as we do less of it. The rules of engagement aren’t necessarily changing—they’re just starting to be heard.	The Atlantic, 2019	Broader scope
Science confirms: Dancing makes you happy	Psychology Spot: Date unknown	Broader scope
As Alan Alda shows, the key to Parkinson's is to keep moving	NBC News: 2018	Broader scope
Parkinson’s sufferers find some relief with the power of dance	Malta Today: 2018	Broader scope
‘Dance can boost young people’s health and confidence’ – study	The Stage: 2018	Broader scope
Why we dance and you should too	Dispatch: 2018	Broader scope
Financial Education Benefits Center on the Benefits of Staying Active Through Dance	CISION PR Newswire: 2018	Broader scope
Walk, cycle, dance and play – UN health agency recommends new action plan for good health	The European String: 2018	Broader scope
Dancing Reverses Signs of Aging in the Brain	Newsmax Health: 2017	Broader scope
Dance Your Way Into Better Health	The Newtown Bee: 2017	Broader scope
Masconomet student launches ‘Dance Out Dementia’	WickedLocal.com: 2018	Broader scope
The Healing Power of Dance	Santa Fe New Mexican: 2018	Broader scope
Dancing Your Way Through Life	My Republica: 2018	Broader scope
International Dance Month: 8 Health Benefits of Dancing	The Good Men Project: 2018	Broader scope
9 Health Benefits of Dance	Everyday Health: unknown	Broader scope
Amsterdam is tackling loneliness one dance party at a time	Public Radio International: 2017	Broader scope
Christiana Care hosts a dance party for good health	WDEL Delaware Radio: 2018	Broader scope
The Healing Powers of Dance: Dancing is more than fun - it’s therapeutic	AARP The Magazine: 2011	Broader scope
Doctors in the U.K. Will Soon Be Able to Prescribe Dance Classes	Dance Magazine: 2018	Broader scope
Dancing with Parkinson’s Research: Something about dancing seems to rewire the brain and create new pathways that control movement	The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation: 2017	Broader scope
Learning empathy through dance	The Atlantic: 2016.1.22 Audrey Cleo Yap	Broader scope
Science classes won’t future-proof our children. But dance might	The Guardian: 2017.03.30 Christina Patterson	Broader scope
Dance therapy brings joy and wellbeing to older people	The Guardian: 2015.08.30 Mark Tran	Broader scope
Dance party stimulates minds, bodies of Alzheimer’s patients	Orlando Sentinel: 2014.07.26	Broader scope
These 89-year-old women have been line dancing for 20 years, and they’re not stopping anytime soon	The Post and Courier: 2018	Broader scope
Dancing may improve elderly people's health, study suggests	The Jakarta Post: 2017	Unknown
The Communal Charms of Contra Dancing: A new generation takes the dance floor	Nhmagazine.com: 2017 Authors: Tiffanie Wen & Kendal J. Bush	CDSS-related tradition
Study: Dancing may offset some effects of aging in the brain	Colorado State University website: 2017	CDSS-related tradition
Santa Cruz’s Regular Contra Dances Provide Fun and Exercise	Good Times: 2018 Deborah McArthur	CDSS-related tradition
Gotta dance? Lessons can lead to better brain health, study shows	NJ.com: 2017	CDSS-related tradition
5 reasons why dancing is good for your health	CNN: 2017	CDSS-related tradition
Dance your way to happiness	The Enterprise (Cape Cod: 2018.01.12 Joanne Briana-Gartner	CDSS-related tradition
Movement without limits	The Tribune-Review: 2017 Joyce Hanz	CDSS-related tradition
Walk, stretch or dance? Dancing may be best for the brain	The New York Times: 2017.03.29 Gretchen Reynolds	CDSS-related tradition
Dancing with a little do si do may help fend off aging in the brain, Colorado State University researcher finds	The Denver Post: 2017	CDSS-related tradition
In Praise of … Country Dancing	The Guardian: 2009	CDSS-related tradition
Teen Brains Found In Elderly Dancers Who Participated In 18-Month Age-Reversal Experiment	Feel Guide, 2017	Broader scope
Dancing Can Reverse the Signs of Aging in the Brain	2017: Frontiers (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope
What Educators and Parents Should Know about Neuroplasticity, Learning and Dance	2016: Sharpbrains.com (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope

Other Resources (e.g., websites; videos)

Title	More information	Scope
Dance/NYC launches Disability initiative	Dance/NYC: 2015.06.24	Broader scope
Use It or Lose It: Dancing Make You Smarter	Date unknown Richard Powers A concise and easy-to-read summary on some of the cognitive benefits dance	Broader scope
The benefits of dance for young children	Stage Coach: 2014.02.12 H Davis	Broader scope
What Educators and Parents Should Know About Neuroplasticity, Learning and Dance	Sharp Brains: 2016	Broader scope
Dance, Dance Evolution	Aeon: 2018 “Every culture dances. Moving our bodies to music is ubiquitous throughout human history and across the globe. So why is this ostensibly frivolous act so fundamental to being human? The answer, it seems, is in our need for social cohesion – that vital glue that keeps societies from breaking apart despite interpersonal differences. The French sociologist Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) theorised that ‘collective effervescence’ – moments in which people come together in some form of unifying, excitement-inducing activity – is at the root of what holds groups together. More recently, Bronwyn Tarr, an evolutionary biologist and psychologist at the University of Oxford who is also a dancer, has researched the evolutionary and neurological underpinnings of our innate tendency to bust a move. Drawing on the work of both Durkheim and Tarr, this Aeon Original video explores that unifying feeling of group ‘electricity’ that lifts us up when we’re enthralled by our favourite sports teams, participating in religious rituals, entranced by music – and, yes, dancing the night away.”	Broader scope
Dancing Improves Brain Function and Reverses Signs of Aging	Unknown	Broader scope
Video: Psypher dance club	Daily Bruin: 2018 Dance and mental health club for young adults	Broader scope
Dance for Parkinsons - about us		Broader scope
Dance Benefits - Dance and Health	Dance Facts: unknown List of some of the notable benefits of dance	Broader scope
Dancing and good health	Khmer Times: 2018	Broader scope
Want to Succeed in a Competitive Marketplace? Social dance develops the three skills that you need.	Stanford University website: date unknown Richard Powers	Broader scope
Top five benefits of dance for kids	Freeze Frame Films: 2014	Broader scope

Benefits of Music

This section contains resources citing the benefits of playing music. As you can see, we currently have very few references. Do you know of a resource that we could add to the Portal? Email us.

Note: The resources in this section focus solely on playing music. There are other resources citing the benefits of playing music (in conjunction with song and/or dance) located in this section.

CDSS Publications

Title	More information	Scope
Connecting the Dots with Tools and Support	CDSS News: Winter 2013-14 Rima Dael Reflections from CDSS’s Executive Director on the connections between children reading and playing music.	CDSS-related tradition

National or Regional Reports

Academic Publications (e.g., journal articles; books)

Title	More information	Scope
Music training can change children’s brain structure and boost decision-making network	USCNews:2017.11.13 Emily Gersema Notes: Although this is a general interest article, it references many academic studies.	Broader scope
A Child's Brain Develops Faster With Exposure to Music Education	Music Education Works: 2016	Broader scope
Drumming Up Health: A Case Study of Carleton University’s West African Rhythm Ensemble	Master's Thesis: 2016 Kathleen D. Armstrong “The thesis itself examines the ways in which participation in the Carleton University West African Rhythm Ensemble (WARE) contributes to positive health and well-being for the students involved. Themes of participatory musics, musicking, rhythmic entrainment and repetition are explored in relation to the experiences of the members of the group. …. We looked at mental, social and physical health benefits, and there was certainly strong evidence of the positive effects of this kind of drumming, dancing and singing.”	Traditional music but not CDSS-related
Effects of Stimulus Characteristics and Background Music on Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning and Forgetting	2006: Language Learning - A Journal of Research in Language Studies (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope
Influencing Self-rated Health Among Adolescent Girls With Dance Intervention	2013: Comparative Effectiveness Research (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope
Interpersonal synchrony increases prosocial behavior in infants	2014: Developmental Science This article makes connections between motor synchrony to music and very early development of altruistic behavior. (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope

Newspaper & Online Articles

Title	More information	Scope
Music and Heart Health	Harvard Health Publishing: 2018	Broader scope
Even a Few Years of Music Training Benefits the Brain	Scientific American: 2012	Broader scope
Study: Music Education Could Help Close The Achievement Gap Between Poor And Affluent Students	Huffington Post: 2014 (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope
Striking a chord, the National Institutes of Health is tapping the brain to find how music heals	2017: Associated Press	Broader scope
A Musical Mind	Association for Psychological Science: 2013 This article makes links between music lessons and IQ scores. (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope
Music and the Brain	2018: Delanceyplace.com This online article pulls from The Brain’s Way of Healing by Norman Doidge. It focuses on the impact of music relating to brain health. (Submitted by David Millstone, February 2020)	Broader scope

Other Resources (e.g., websites; videos)

Benefits of Song

This section contains resources citing the benefits of song. As you can see, we currently have very few references. Do you know of a resource that we could add to the Portal? Email us.

Note: The resources in this section focus solely on song. There are other resources citing the benefits of song (in conjunction with music and/or dance) located in this section.

CDSS Publications

Title	More information	Scope
CDSS Sings: Sacred Harp and Community	CDSS News: Winter 2014-15 Sharon McKinley A great introductory description of sacred harp and some of its attractions, including that anyone can join, its sense of community, and the types of melodies.	CDSS-related tradition
CDSS Sings “Song on the Times"	CDSS News: Summer 2017 Jeremy Carter-Gordon A reflection on the reasons for singing, in particular in troubled times.	CDSS-related tradition

National or Regional Reports

Academic Publications (e.g., journal articles; books)

Newspaper & Online Articles

Other Resources (e.g., websites; videos)