ABSTRACT
Co-authored by Improving Social Inclusion for People with Dementia and Carers through Sharing Dance project researchers who are experts in relational dementia care, the aim of this chapter is to examine the role of arts-based programs in challenging stigma and changing the culture of dementia care. This chapter situates Sharing Dance Older Adults in relation to dominant approaches to dementia care, including person-centred and relational approaches to care. A key feature of this chapter is its emphasis on how sharing dance supported embodied expression, relationality, and stigma reduction at different moments throughout the program. The chapter provides rich examples that illustrate these concepts in detail and it concludes with critical questions for key stakeholder groups about advancing relational care through the arts. The chapter is of interest to critical gerontologists as well as dementia care practitioners.
