We see you. We hear you. We love you! Mental Health Awareness Month is a national event to bring attention to the importance of mental health. Attack Theatre aims to spread the word through awareness and advocacy this and every month!
Here are some of the things we've been reading this month to educate and empower:
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
We'd also like to highlight the compilation of resources of our partner Minding the Gap geared toward movers and dancers here.
Now is the time to focus on healing, reaching out, and connecting in safe ways by acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay."
Continuing their exploration of the future of movement and dance, Attack Theatre is partnering with Minding the Gap to disrupt the established culture and be a part of the solution. The two have joined forces to create a pilot program, Action Network for Dancers (AND), which aims to educate and empower dancers with access to local and national resources for mental, physical and creative health. The program brings mental health conversations to dancers while developing a network of support intended to propel the dance community into a healthier future. Action Network for Dancers puts the power in the hands of the dancers, allowing them to develop spaces and resources that apply to them and their unique circumstances. This program can create a new perception of mental health within dance by starting in smaller communities. The pilot program is one the first of its kind that empowers educated dancers and choreographers to make space for accommodations and conversations that support mental well-being.
While the program remains in its infancy, Attack Theatre has called on local dancers to join the planning process, aiming to address the needs specific to Pittsburgh’s dance community. The program is set to be a resource network comprised of different avenues of support,including safe spaces for dancers to connect and share their experiences. While a long road ahead remains, Action Network for Dancers is the start of an improvedrelationship between dance and mental health.