Overview and Aims

This center aims to create a unique avenue incorporating various kind of expressive arts resulting in broad outcomes such as self-discovery, self-development, character building, healing, establishment of supportive relationships, and coping skills among others which lead to successful, happy, resilient and productive citizens. The center works with different populations in this context to enable individuals to better deal with daily life challenges through the use of creative arts. The Center focuses in different areas such as research, outreach programs, training projects and programs in creating awareness among the general public in this area.
 
Key Research Areas

1. The role of music in enhancing cognitive performance.
2. The role of dance in self-development and building character.

Ongoing Research (as of January 2022)

A Qualitative Study : Exploring the impact of Ballet on self-esteem in adolescence (Currently Recruiting Participants)

• This research aims to explore the essence of ballet that might contribute to the self-esteem among adolescent dancers. As such, a phenomenological qualitative study is required to understand the lived experience of ballet dancers who have completed grade 5 within the age range of 15-18 years old. Data collection was conducted through interview and a thematic analysis will be constructed in order to generate themes that would answer the research question of this study.
• If you are eligible for the study and are interested in being a participant, take part in the study now at https://bit.ly/3ftpHGn

Research/Publications

Yeow, J. (2018). Musical moments in the creative practice of family therapy. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 39 (4): 528 532
Alagappar, P. N., & Selvaratnam, L. (2014). Analysis of a Malaysian edition of foreign magazines in portraying women’s issue. International Postgraduate Business Journal (IPBJ), 6(1), 49-6
 
Outreach: Events/Training

• Stress Management Workshops using creative modalities for students, teachers, and corporate companies
• Ongoing classes in using dance to build character of underprivileged/low income children and adolescences
• Empowering lives workshop using dance to get in touch with self in MYSKILL foundation among adolescence on 2nd December 2019

Webinars, Podcasts and/or Miscellaneous Media Engagements

• The Maintaining Good Hygiene and Mental Health during Health Crises podcast for Empowering Lives series, Published on 28th March 2020
• FB Live interview on Transforming Lives with Movement on Homepreuners Empowerment Network on 22nd May 2021 

Others

• Feeling the blues? Dance it Away for HELP PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – Talk on the 29th May 2021

Members

• James Yeow (HELP University): james.yeow@help.edu.my
• Lavanya Selvaratnam (HELP University): lavanya.s@helpliveedu.onmicrosoft.com