Exploring the intersection of dance, caregiving

The Center for Aging Science and Care Innovation is partnering with the Weisman Art Museum (WAM) to support the Program on Art and Health, a joint initiative by WAM and the Medical School that supports collaborative projects of artists and health care professionals. Anna Marie Shogren is a dance artist exploring how movement can be used to enhance connections between people who live in long-term care and their bedside caregivers. Shogren’s dance and installation work has been shown in Minneapolis, New York, along both coasts and in Iceland. In addition, Shogren has worked in long-term care settings providing exercise classes and daily care assistance to residents. Ultimately, she envisions creating a brief care ritual or microdance that bedside staff could use to enhance their interactions with residents.

The collaboration began in September 2018 and the center has helped organize interviews and workshops for Shogren to collect information to inform her artistic process. The center has invited nursing students and faculty to attend her workshops and events. Our next step is to engage long-term care settings to facilitate an exchange with residents and bedside staff on what this care ritual might look like and how it could be implemented. Shogren will performatively present her observations and solicit further conversation on her care ritual during her next event called “Lifelong Choreographies.” All are welcome to attend the event on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. at the Weisman Art Museum.