Understanding Into Action: movement workshop embodying the urgency and complexity of planetary health challenges

Embodied connections: exploring planetary health through movement and dance

On 8 May and 21 May 2026, under the expert guidance, supervision, and mentoring of Dr Sally Fowler Davis, Professor in Allied Health, two immersive workshops brought participants together in a creative exploration of the body, environment, and planetary health. These workshops were funded by ARU's Sustainable Futures research theme, whose support made this interdisciplinary and experiential initiative possible.

Notably, the first workshop coincided with Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, making the occasion especially meaningful – his lifelong dedication to the natural world could not have been celebrated in a more fitting and embodied manner.

Peeling back the layers: a journey begins

The workshops opened with a simple yet profound intention: to “peel layers” of perception and reconnect participants with the physical planet. Through carefully designed body warm-ups and sensory engagement, we were gently guided into a space of awareness and curiosity.

The initial exercises, such as to embody creatures – wild or domestic – encouraged us to explore movement, sound, and identity. Using a think-pair-share approach, we expressed ourselves physically while engaging with others, creating a shared atmosphere of playfulness and discovery.

Movement as a language of connection

As the sessions progressed, activities became more collaborative and thematic. Paired and group exercises introduced scenarios of impact of adverse weather conditions on communities that blended movement with imagination. We moved fluidly between roles, partners, and ideas, allowing for constant transformation and co-creation in an individual and collective manner.

The workshops drew on some specific elements such as water, time, trees, and communities – each explored through both movement and thought experiments. These themes were not merely symbolic; they encouraged us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and recognise the interconnectedness of all living systems.

Water, for instance, was presented as both powerful and vulnerable – a force deeply affected by human activity. By embodying water through movement, participants engaged with its fluidity, strength, and fragility, fostering a deeper emotional and intellectual connection to environmental issues.

Indigenous knowledge and cultural resonance

A distinctive feature of the workshops was the integration of indigenous dance practices, alongside references to UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage such as the Rig Veda. These elements enriched the experience, grounding participants in ancient knowledge systems that emphasise harmony between humans and nature.

Through sound, rhythm, and gesture, we were invited to engage with philosophical ideas of elements, body and mind, and nature itself that transcend time – highlighting the enduring relevance of these traditions in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

The Sycamore Dance: storytelling in motion

One of the highlights of the first workshop was the creation and performance of The Sycamore Dance – A Gap with an Anthropocene Story. This choreography served as a powerful artistic reflection on environmental change and human impact. The sessions concluded with group discussions.

Collaborative reflection and philosophical engagement

The second session specifically focused on fundamental questions to conclude and leave the trace of the thoughts 'what is the body?' and 'what can the body do?' with the participants.

We were also encouraged to think of places from our own countries that held personal significance. By connecting memory, place, and movement, the workshops bridged personal narratives with global ecological concerns, reinforcing the idea that environmental stewardship begins with emotional connection. The sessions concluded with group discussions and board activities.

These reflections opened up philosophical conversations about embodiment, agency, and responsibility. With light music and a calm atmosphere supporting the process, we were able to internalise our experiences and share insights collectively.

Expanding minds, transforming perspectives

Ultimately, these workshops were about more than movement: they were about transformation. By combining physical activity with thought experiments, cultural knowledge, and environmental awareness, we experienced a shift in perspective.

We were invited to see ourselves not as separate from the planet, but as integral parts of a living, dynamic system – capable of both impacting and protecting it.

Final thoughts

In a time often described as the Anthropocene – an era defined by human influence on the Earth – such creative and embodied approaches are incredibly valuable. They remind us that understanding planetary health is not only an intellectual exercise but also a deeply personal and physical one.

Through movement, reflection, and shared experience, these workshops cultivated a sense of responsibility, connection, and hope – an essential foundation for building a more sustainable future.

On behalf of Prof Davis, we thank the facilitators and all the participants.

Dr Rhyddhi Chakraborty, Senior Lecturer in Public Health and Leadership, School of Allied Health and Social Care