The Link Between Dance and Health

The Link Between Dance and HealthDanceCast is a podcast that spotlights non-traditional dance artists. It is produced by Silva Laukkanen, an advocate for inclusive dance based in Austin, TX.In this episode of DanceCast, Silva interviews Joseph Jeffers, the CEO of AdviceSupport Knowledge Information (ASKI), a London-based non-profit organization dedicated to serving older individuals from the Global Majority. He reflects on his training and career in dance, and how that led him to working in the non-profit sector. When he started ASKI, he integrated many kinds of dance classes into its programming. He’s committed to spreading a message of health and wellness by creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable seeking preventative care and asking for support. He also shares some of his findings from his Winston Churchill Fellowship where he went to South Africa to research the link between dance and health. He’s particularly interested in how institutionalized racism impacts Black bodies.Joseph Jeffers is the Chief Executive Officer of Advice Support Knowledge Information (ASKI), a London-based non-profit organization dedicated to serving older individuals from the Global Majority. ASKI provides a comprehensive range of services aimed at enhancing the well-being and social engagement of its clients. In 2024, ASKI was awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.Joseph's journey began with a passion for dance, which he pursued from childhood through to a formal degree in Dance in 1985. His professional career as a dancer took him to more than 65 countries, enriching his understanding of cultural expressions and movement. Recognizing the transformative power of dance, ASKI incorporates dance into its programs to combat social isolation among older adults, currently serving more than 85 individuals aged 68 to 90 on a weekly basis.In addition to his role at ASKI, Joseph has been awarded a prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship. This opportunity has taken him to South Africa, where he explored innovative approaches to movement and social connection. Later this year, he will complete the Fellowship in the Caribbean, focusing on the relationship between movement and isolation in older bodies.Joseph is in the final year of an MA in Dance: Participation, Communities, and Activism from The London Contemporary Dance School, further solidifying his commitment to using dance as a tool for community engagement and social change. His multifaceted experience and dedication to improving the lives of older individuals exemplifies his leadership in the non-profit sector.https://www.aski.org.uk