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In my opinion, dance encourages a positive foundation for a child's physical, social and psychological development whilst indirectly promoting the continuation of healthy behaviours, including exercise, into adulthood. With obesity becoming a national concern, this is especially important. Funky Feet provides an ideal opportunity to introduce children to the world of dance or to continue reinforcing an existing habit in a safe, supportive and fun environment.
Lindsey Cooper. B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. Health Psychology
Childhood Obesity is a significant public health problem and is now one of the government’s main priorities. Statistics from the most recent large-scale survey in the UK shockingly reveal that 25 percent of boys and 33 percent of girls aged between two and 19 years are overweight or obese – and there’s little sign the incidence is slowing. In the City of Nottingham, over 12% of children are obese and 24% are overweight.
Increasing the physical activity levels in children and young people is one way of tackling the problem. In its Jan 2007 report on childhood obesity the British Medical Association recommended that ‘Choice in the style of exercise offered to children is desirable, as not all children want to play competitive or mixed sports’
I believe that most children have a natural interest in music and rhythm and that with the right approach this can be harnessed to positive affect. Whilst weight reduction is one major goal - learning to move our bodies to music has also been shown to have a whole host of additional physical and psychological benefits including: improved fitness, flexibility, balance, posture, co-ordination, self confidence and self esteem to name but a few. Working together with others also helps to foster a sense of team-work and belonging. Enhancing such protective factors is known to play a part in reducing the likelihood of other serious public health concerns such as teenage pregnancy and offending behaviours too. The earlier these behaviours can be adopted and incorporated as a normal part of child development, the better the long term outlook for the health of our future population.
Funky Feet offers the kind of diversity, choice and approach that has been recommended, and is well placed to play an important role in helping to tackle this important contemporary issue in a fun and young person centred way.
Mo Almond (Specialist Health Worker, Registered General Nurse, Family Planning Nurse)
Performing Arts should be and is an essential part of a young person's life and has the ability to develop confidence, communication skills, imagination and social integration. It also has the ability to reach individuals who may not usually engage and can have a positive, integral affect on a child's emotional development. Funky Feet has the ability to reach out and bring something fun, unique and valuable to every person who involves themselves within it.
Joanne Hooper B.A. (Hons), Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Further Education)