Disseminating Knowledge with Dance

Abstract

The Delphi method was used to investigate the use of dance and movement in knowledge dissemination by systematically accessing and synthesizing the knowledge of researchers and dancers who have used this particular artistic method. The expert panel included three researchers (two also identifying as dancers) who had used dance as a tool to disseminate research findings in formal research. Two rounds of online Delphi questionnaires were used to generate data. The study’s findings included several categories of consensus reached amongst participants: (a) using dance for the purposes of knowledge dissemination is complex, time-consuming, and requires expertise, (b) dance is a useful and valid means for disseminating research findings both in qualitative and quantitative projects, (c) movement and dance are common to all humans, provide a common base or means for interaction, and provide a legitimate way of knowing, expressing knowledge and concepts either differently or sometimes better than language, (d) dance is not appropriate to use in all research projects and there is no singular procedure, (e) dance evokes emotional, visceral, and embodied responses that cannot be predicted, and (f) researchers ethical care and responsibility exceeds typical considerations and extends to others members such as the dancers and audience members. Differences of opinion arose about researchers’ ethical responsibilities associated with level of care for audience members when using dance as a knowledge dissemination strategy. The current study’s findings extend knowledge and understanding about the use of dance in research dissemination, and have implications for future research and research practice.