The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Dance Freelancers in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dance freelancers’ mental health and wellbeing using a cross-sectional exploratory qualitative methodology. Findings from semi-structured interviews with six dance freelancers indicated the pandemic posed challenges to the mental health of dance freelancers, amplified preexisting inequalities, and required constant re-adaptation to ever-changing norms. Nonetheless, COVID-19 also paused hectic schedules allowing for rest, social connection, and skill development. From these findings, recommendations to enhance dance freelancers’ mental health and wellbeing include: 1) addressing the preexisting inequitable nature of the freelance dance sector to create a fair working environment, 2) re-establishing trust and communication between dance freelancers and those in positions of power to ensure guidance and support are applicable and accessible, 3) increasing opportunities for social connectedness to maximize the resulting protective value on mental health, and 4) adopting a dance-informed view of mental health within the field of dance to provide more comprehensive support.