Diane's presentation examined the transformative effects of dance on the quality of life for older adults, highlighting scientific studies that underscore its health benefits. She argued that creative dance activities provide a healing platform that merges art and wellness, allowing participants to dismantle societal expectations and internal limitations associated with ageing. Safe dance spaces encourage a non-judgmental environment where constraints from age, societal norms, and past traumas are dissolved, facilitating both internal and external transformation. Ultimately, Diane advocates for dance as a catalyst for connection, empathy, and deeper emotional exploration among older adults. 

 

Diane Busuttil's award-winning work as a socially-engaged dance artist and filmmaker has been recognised in Australia and internationally. Diane founded Creative Caring in 2018, which brings dance theatre and music programs to seniors, focusing on the union of arts and health as remedies for personal and social ills. Her collaborative community programs are regularly delivered to aged care facilities, dementia care units and at the Sydney Opera House for the monthly Spring for Seniors dance theatre sessions. 

Her philosophy is that movement is a primary expressive language and a strong artistic tool that binds people, through creativity, to their community. Diane has completed various 
courses through Dementia Australia and the University of Tasmania and is a qualified Dance for Parkinson’s facilitator. She is a member of AHNNA (Arts Health Network) and an associate of The CAD Factory.