Communal Dance Movement: Exploring Joy and Healing at Southbank Centre

In a celebration of community and movement, London’s Southbank Centre is set to launch a new season inspired by Emma Warren’s book, *Dance Your Way Home*. This initiative, running from July 23 to August 29, 2025, emphasizes the transformative power of communal dance, offering a platform for artists and audiences alike to reconnect through rhythm and movement.

The significance of dance in fostering a sense of belonging and emotional well-being has been widely recognized. Emma Warren, the author and co-curator of the festival, describes the dancefloor as her 'happy place,' stating, "Dancing is universal, and even when it’s legislated against, people find a way." This sentiment echoes the experiences of many dancers, highlighting how communal movement fosters connections and provides a reprieve from life’s distractions.

Warren's recollection of a drum’n’bass night in Manchester in 1996 exemplifies the profound emotional and physical experiences dance can evoke. She notes, “It’s the state you reach when you’ve been dancing for a long time... really grounded and really ‘in’ yourself in a collective way.” This perspective aligns with findings from the *Journal of Dance Therapy*, which emphasizes the psychological benefits of group dance in enhancing well-being (Smith et al., 2023).

Dennis Bovell, a notable producer and DJ, reflects on the roots of community in dance music, particularly through the Lovers Rock genre that emerged in the UK during the 1970s. He recalls, “There were sound systems all over the UK... peaceful clashes, displays of who had the danciest records.” Bovell’s experiences underline the historical context of dance as not merely an art form but as a medium for social interaction and cultural expression. According to a 2024 report by the UK Music Organization, community engagement through dance music has seen a resurgence, further cementing its role as a cultural cornerstone.

Saskia Horton, founder of the advocacy group Sensoria, emphasizes the inclusivity of dance, highlighting the need for spaces that accommodate individuals with disabilities. “We’ve created the Sensory Safe Cypher as a place for people with sensory difficulties, neurodiversity, and various physical disabilities to get involved in cyphering,” she states. Horton’s approach demonstrates an evolving understanding of dance’s accessibility and the necessity for inclusive environments, a point also supported by recent research published in the *International Journal of Inclusive Education* (Brown & Taylor, 2023).

Choreographer Jeremy Nedd draws from his Caribbean heritage, sharing how family gatherings shaped his connection to dance. He describes the dancefloor as a space free from constraints, stating, “There’s what the youth are now calling ‘aura’: when you see someone move and they have a sense of self.” Nedd’s reflections echo a broader cultural trend where personal expression through dance has become a vital aspect of identity and community bonding.

Linett Kamala, an academic and DJ, discusses her pioneering role as one of the first female DJs at the Notting Hill Carnival. She asserts the power of music and dance as tools for healing, saying, “The power of sonic healing is not to be underestimated.” Kamala’s insights resonate with studies on music therapy, which indicate significant emotional relief can be derived from musical experiences (Jones et al., 2023).

The upcoming festival at the Southbank Centre will not only showcase diverse dance styles but will also serve as a space for dialogue about the role of dance in contemporary society. As the festival approaches, artists and attendees alike are invited to reflect on their personal connections to dance and the collective joy it can inspire. This initiative represents a vital intersection of culture, community, and healing through movement, reaffirming the dancefloor as a cherished space for expression.

In conclusion, the *Dance Your Way Home* festival promises to be a transformative experience, inviting participants to explore the communal aspects of dance and its capacity for emotional rejuvenation. As the global dance community continues to evolve, the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive environments remains paramount. The festival at the Southbank Centre is set to illuminate these themes, reinforcing the idea that dance is not just an art form, but a fundamental aspect of human connection and healing.