ResDance Series 9: Episode 3: The Art of Caring Through Dance with Gemma Wright

ResDance Series 9: Episode 3: The Art of Caring Through Dance with Gemma Wright In this episode, Gemma reflects on her background indance and her journey as the founder and leader of the Dance Network Association (DNA). By grounding our conversation in the work of the association, we explore how the charity promotes health and well-being through the dance programmes and activities it offers to the wider community. We discuss what it means to be a leader, the role of care and compassion—both for the people she teaches and for herself—and the importance of building a strong support system. Throughout the episode, Gemma emphasises the transformative power of dance and its potential to change lives. Gemma Wright is a passionate advocate for dance health and wellbeing and is dedicated to mentoring others to lead with compassion, creativity, and care. As a feminist leader and founder of the Dance Network Association (DNA), shechampions wellbeing, inclusivity, and the power of dance transform lives. With nearly two decades of experience across community dance, arts management, and leadership, Gemma has worked with organisations including the Royal Academy of Dance, Trinity Laban, dancedigital, and DanceEast. Since founding DNA in 2015, she has raised over £1.3 million to deliver life-enhancing programmes for people across Essex from Dancing with Dementia and Dancing with Parkinson’s to intergenerational dancing andeducational dance initiatives touching thousands of people each year. Contact Details Email: gemma@dancenetworkassociation.org.uk  Website: www.dancenetworkassociation.org.uk  Social Media: Insta, Facebook and Linked @dancenetworkassociation  Other Useful Social Media @ParkinsonsUK @Alzeimersociety @PeopleDancing@OneDanceUK  National Centre for Creative Health  Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance  NCVO  Links to resources:  DNA Resources: RESOURCES | Dance Network Assoc DNA's new companion book 'Danicng for Joy Resource OUR SHOP | Dance Network Assoc  Arts for Health - Dancing by Noyale Colin and Kathryn StampBook Dancing (Arts for Health) : Colin, Noyale, Stamp, Kathryn:Amazon.co.uk: Books  Good Graduate Company programme (Partner organsation)Good Company receives public sector recognition | Orchestras Live Please share this episode with students, educators, practitioners, performers, and interdisciplinary researchers curious to learn more about dance research in action.