Abstract

In response to pandemic-related impacts on children’s wellbeing, the University of Sunderland’s Performing Arts department developed HealthyBods in 2021, an interactive outreach initiative designed to promote physical and mental health among primary-age children.
The 2024/25 updated HealthyBods builds on previous tours and again aligned to the PHSE curriculum. Third-year Performing Arts students toured local schools, delivering interactive performances to Key Stage 1 children addressing healthy eating, sleep hygiene, emotional awareness, hygiene practices, and inclusion. Using dance, poetry, original music, narration, and audience participation, the delivery was tailored to engage five- to seven-year-old children.
Over a one-month tour, students engaged pupils through dynamic theatrical activities, prompting verbal responses, movement-based enactments of health behaviours, and participatory storytelling in school settings. Primary school teachers observed these sessions and provided reflective feedback and testimonials.
Feedback from both the child audiences and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. The children actively participated, with smiles, laughter, and vocal engagement during performances. Teachers noted that the performance connected deeply with children, conveying messages around screen use, eating habits, emotional recognition, family dynamics, and peer relationships. Additionally, educators noted that children who would in other instances disengage or need to leave the learning space were able to stay and remain engaged.
HealthyBods illustrates the potential of creative performing arts to enhance young children’s understanding and management of health-related behaviours. The programme demonstrates that embodied, theatrical delivery can effectively communicate public health messages in an engaging and memorable way. It also offers valuable experiential learning for Performing Arts students, fostering both artistic development and broader social impact.