Latin Dance & Movement for Mental Health Recovery

Programme Title

Step Forward: 

Overall Programme Aim

To use Latin-inspired dance and movement as a structured, therapeutic intervention to support adults living with mental health conditions in rebuilding confidence, emotional stability, and personal agency through creative expression, group connection, and physical activity.

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Programme Objectives

By the end of the full three-block programme, learners will:

1. 2. 3. Improve Emotional Regulation and Stability

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Engage in rhythmic and repetitive movement to reduce anxiety and increase self-soothing capacity

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Develop grounding techniques through physicality and breathwork

Enhance Self-Confidence and Personal Identity

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Reconnect with the body and self-image through expressive movement

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Recognise and reflect on emotional progress through journaling and self-assessment tools

Strengthen Social and Interpersonal Skills4. 5. ○

Participate in safe, supported peer interactions through partner work and group choreography

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Rebuild trust, respect, and shared experience within a consistent group

Support Recovery and Purpose through Routine and Achievement

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Establish weekly structure and reliable routines

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Celebrate completion of choreographic goals, performances, or leadership contributions

Develop Leadership and Community Integration Skills

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Take on peer-led roles or creative input responsibilities

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Engage with opportunities for volunteering, mentoring, or public sharing of work

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How Step Forward Supports Specific Mental Health Conditions

• Condition Therapeutic Focus via Latin Dance

Step Forward Mechanisms

• Depression Elevates mood, breaks isolation, reintroduces joy
• Music-driven sessions, gentle physical reactivation,
• Endorphin-boosting music/movement, journaling, achievement milestones
• Personality Disorders (e.g., BPD)
• Regulates affect, strengthens interpersonal skills
• Non-verbal co-regulation through partner dance, containment through rhythm

🏁Expected Outcomes by Programme Block

🔷 Block 1 – Step Forward: Confidence

● Learners demonstrate increased weekly attendance and reduced self-isolation

● Learners begin recognising emotional patterns using reflective tools

● Participants report increased comfort in physical presence and social space

🔷 Block 2 – Step Forward: Expression

• Learners identify personal themes and use movement to explore emotional narratives
• Participants engage in improvisation and creative contribution to group routines
• Self-reporting tools show growth in confidence, self-worth, and enjoyment
• Learners co-lead warmups or choreography sessions
• Participants complete a peer-feedback cycle or mini showcase
• Portfolio evidence submitted toward PEARL/GQAL achievement

🧩 Optional Additions

• Individual learner action plans with MH-focused goals
• Integration with social prescribing, recovery plans, or EHCPs

Referrals from NHS, IAPT, CMHTs, or local third-sector services eg. supported housing, care homes, secure units