Dance for Veterans

In 2023, Dr Rick Maher conducted his PhD research project with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) at Queensland Ballet, to ascertain the effect that dance would have upon the quality of life of veterans who have experienced a trauma based psychological injury. The research sought to measure the participants’ perceptions of their physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and how they understood the stability of their environment. Program participants reported results that trended in a positive direction as to how they perceived their Quality of Life across all four of these domains.

In relation to perceptions of physical health, participants reported a positive effect on activities such as daily living, dependence on medical substances and medical aids, energy and fatigue, mobility, pain and discomfort, sleep and rest, and work capacity. The findings in relation to the psychological health domain exceeded expectations and indicate that the dance intervention program contributes to veterans’ psychological well-being by facilitating active engagement with dance and rhythm and enhances their socio-emotional abilities as a result of class participation. These findings are consistent with the World Health Organisation’s acknowledgement that arts-based mental health programs contribute to mental health recovery and well-being of people with mental health injuries.

The veterans also reported improvements in their social relationships whilst participating in the program, and noted that physical environmental factors such as the dance studio and the Queensland Ballet site served to motivate and provide a sense of community belonging. Additionally, the participants reported that the program enhanced their capacity to interact in public spaces outside that of the home environment.

Qualitative lines of inquiry also allowed for the veterans to expand upon their physical health, their emotional wellbeing, their feelings about being in a veteran group setting, the program delivery, and the program facilitators. The findings reflected that the veterans’ capacity to explore the depth and richness of inner experience, facilitate personal growth, and clinical interactions and interventions were enhanced through dance.

In a world that often moves too fast,

We find our power in moments that last.
Where rhythm meets breath, and grace meets might,
We dance through shadows into light.

This is more than movement—this is care,
A place where healing fills the air.
Where every stretch and reach and bend
Becomes a message: “You can mend.”

With every step, the soul finds ground,
In leaps and lifts, new strength is found.
Bodies awaken, hearts align,
Stories unfold in perfect time.

No silence here, no fear, no shame—
Just names reclaimed, and joy proclaimed.
The Dance for Veterans path is clear:
Hope in motion, year by year.

Queensland Ballet leads the way,
Turning pain to art, and night to day.
In every class, in every beat,
We find resilience at our feet.

So come as you are, strong or sore,
Together we rise, and we restore.
Not just prevention—but a new start,
A dance of courage, soul, and heart.

- Elaine Gallagher (Dance for Veterans Participant)