From June 17 to 21, we organized the IKoon project together with our new partner Pro Persona. It was a special dance week for clients of Pro Persona’s TOPGGZ centers: Overwaal, the Expertise Center for Anxiety, OCD & PTSD, and the Expertise Center for Depression. This project offered a unique opportunity for clients of these centers to get moving in a positive, non-therapeutic way — and, as a result, to start moving mentally as well.

Over four days, the participants worked with a choreographer and the Introdans interaction team, building up to a performance on the fifth day, which they presented to family, friends, and (involved) staff members.

This dance week was not a form of treatment. Its purpose was precisely to get people moving in a different, non-therapeutic way. It was all about joy in life, building social connections, becoming physically active, daring to express yourself, and fostering empowerment. Participants were encouraged to make independent decisions, take action, and stand up for themselves. In short, a positive experience that can open doors for further mental development. Introdans firmly believes that everyone can dance!

About Pro Persona
Pro Persona is a large mental health care organization in Gelderland, dedicated to the mental well-being of its clients. Through innovative projects like IKoon, Pro Persona aims to offer positive and inclusive experiences that contribute to clients’ mental and social development.

During the dance week, Pro Persona, in collaboration with Radboudumc, is researching whether this project also stimulates participants mentally. They expect the dance week to help fulfill basic psychological needs, such as autonomy, competence, and connectedness. When these needs are met, people experience benefits for their mental health. That’s why, at several moments during the dance week, participants were asked to answer a few short questions about these needs. In addition, we mapped out participants’ personal goals and checked in on their progress during the week. The results of this study are expected this autumn.

Read more: Depression Expertise Center – Pro Persona and Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD Expertise Center Overwaal – Pro Persona