AMELIA BAKER

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m a Manchester-based freelance dance practitioner and teacher. I have a BA in Dance and Film & Visual Vulture, as well as a masters in choreography and professional practices with advanced pedagogy. I am currently a full-time dance teacher disciplined in ballet, tap and modern. I teach a range of ages, as well as teaching vulnerable adults and children. I have performed and choreographed for musical artists, short films, and theatrical shows. My main aim in my career is making dance more accessible, as well as providing lessons for people who may wish to use dance as a form of relaxation.

What is your experience with dance in relation to mental health?

I have taught a range of ages and throughout everyone’s life there are many hurdles that confine and impact us. Whether it be school for my younger students or full-time work for my older students, there is always something on everybody’s mind. However, when my students enter the studio they find they can leave anything bugging them at the door and use their time in lessons to focus on movements and choreography. Seeing their achievements and improvements over time gives them an increase in serotonin, not only are they finding something to work on but their focus gives them a release and distraction from life’s pressures. I would never claim dance is something to solve mental health issues and would always suggest a mental health professional if I am concerned or there is a safeguarding issue. However, it can, in that fine moment of the rhythm and flow of lessons, help students get through and calm them from any bigger issues happening in that moment of time.

What are some of the benefits of dancing on a regular basis?

There are endless benefits to dancing on a regular basis. For me, fitness and health are a benefit of course, as it helps increase strength in core muscles, stamina and many other aspects. However, it isn’t the only advantage. It’s the creative output, working as a team, expressing emotions, and feeling free to find new ways of moving your body. The body is a vessel for people to express themselves, whether through fashion or the way a person holds themselves. To name one example, dance can help with posture and holding your head high. Holding your head high just makes someone automatically confident and in doing so can make someone feel that they’re not a waste of space and deserve to be anywhere they want.

Do you have any experience in helping people relax and unwind with dance?

I have held dance classes aimed at hospital staff at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool’s art department for six weeks. Each week we worked on techniques that involved a lot of breathing exercises that helped staff relax after their long shifts. This allowed them to move their bodies and especially the back. This was key as a lot of them were confined to sitting down for long hours at a computer which can have the effect of bad back pain. Allowing the movement, focusing on breath and back during our technique stage of the lesson, increased their back mobility. Near the end of the session, we would learn a dance which was developed over the 6 weeks that allowed for creativity and the pleasure of working towards an ending goal. I received great feedback working with the staff, allowing me to see what problems mentally and physically affected them in the fast paced environment of a hospital. Overall, they developed a passion for learning the new movements and having these goals which would ‘brighten their day’ after the long hours and hard work they put into their job.

Do you think it is difficult to find the time to dance?

Dance helps with unwinding as I believe it allows you to move in any way you want; you are in control of how you want to move and there are no rules. The choice is up to you. When you work all day and are confined to make ends meet, especially in the current cost of living crisis, it can build up on you: make you feel alone, claustrophobic, and cautious of every little move you make.

With dance, this isn’t something that is an issue. The moves you make are up to you and it allows for you to listen to what your body needs at that moment.

Do you have any tips for people who may be embarrassed or shy when it comes to dancing even if it’s alone in the kitchen or going to a dance class?

My biggest advice for this has always been: no one is looking at you. When you enter a class everyone in that room is focused on themselves and their own personal journeys. You do not need to worry about how you look or if people are looking at you. To be blunt: they are not. A class is designed for you to have your own goals, whether that be improving your technique or if you’re just there to have fun. For tips on feeling more comfortable, my biggest one would be to wear something you are comfortable in. You don’t need to go in a leotard and tights. It can be jogging bottoms, a baggy t-shirt, and trainers if you wish. If you can move your body you’re absolutely fine! Dancing on your own in your room or kitchen is also a great way to start. Put your music on, anything, even silence and just move how you want to move. Even if you’re miming to the music and pretending you are about to do a performance at the Superbowl. These little steps are the ones that will help you feel close with your body, de-stress and feel more confident. The only person you need to impress is yourself. You work so hard and whether you are working twelve-hour shifts every day, or unemployed, everyone is entitled to find a passion that lifts their mood. If you haven’t found something yet, why not try dance?