People Behind the Scenes

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PhD researcher at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Glasgow Caledonian University (in collaboration with Sco ish Ballet) Emily Davis danced with Pennsylvania Ballet (recently renamed Philadelphia Ballet) for six years. Now she’s carrying out the first PhD exploring dance health for people living with multiple sclerosis.

What inspired you to start your PhD?

Whilst dancing professionally, I was studying at the University of Pennsylvania and working with organisations that provided accessible arts opportunities across community and clinical se ings. I taught dance in a traumatic brain and spinal cord injury unit and was also carrying out research in neurological rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy. I could see the potential for dance in health and social care. In 2021, I put my pointe shoes to the side to undertake a full-time PhD.

What made you choose to work with Sco ish Ballet?

I knew of Sco ish Ballet through the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, which has worked closely with Sco ish Ballet in a multi-site partnership for dance for MS practice and research. I looked at the dance health pages of Sco ish Ballet’s website hundreds of times.

Dance companies o en have specific dance health projects but to have a dance health department is really unique. I had a meeting with Sco ish Ballet’s Health Team and I got a really good vibe.

What have you learnt from working with Sco ish Ballet Elevate®?

I’ve visited Sco ish Ballet Elevate sessions in Perth and Orkney as well as Glasgow. It has been lovely to meet, and dance with the participant dancers living with MS. Everyone has been so welcoming and interested in my research.

I’ve learnt that just focusing on understanding what works isn’t the right approach. It’s about what works for whom and in what context. In Orkney, working in collaboration with local partner organisations, dance artists and Elevate dancers has been a great opportunity. e research takes on a life of its own.

What else have you been working on with Sco ish Ballet?

I’m interested in how technology can be used in dance health, so I was delighted to be asked to evaluate the SB Duet pilot. e project involves a series of digital dance resources that can be safely enjoyed from your bed or bedside. e development has been a big learning curve for me and Sco ish Ballet, trying to find the right balance between an in-person presence and digital delivery.

Sco ish Ballet and I have built a beautiful relationship with care home sta and residents. Initially, we thought Duet would be useful for residents who couldn’t leave their room. But actually, sta regularly brought residents together to use Duet as a group. ere is so much going on at Sco ish Ballet. I’m excited to see the Social Prescribing project delivery start and how it might help build capacity for healthcare in Scotland.

What are you looking forward to working on with Sco ish Ballet this year?

It would be good if dance was a referral option for healthcare professionals.