[Callers] Weaving Together Youngsters and Oldsters

[John Rogers via Callers]

I'll offer two bits of advice.  One is that seniors with mobility problems move more easily forwards than backwards.  I found this out once when I devised a very simple circle dance that was mainly circle left and into the center and back.  That worked fine when hands were not joined (as in "ladies to the center and back") but was terrifying when everyone went into the center and back - because the young, boisterous ones went backward faster than the old folks were ready for.  (So: have them drop hands for anything involving moving backwards.)

The other thing I learned years ago as an international dance teacher:  Older folks tend to dislike being given "tactile input" , (i.e, being shoved around) as a teaching tool.  (So: stick to the visual and auditory input channels, and save the tactile for the kids.)  

I can't swear to it, but my understanding is that "Line Dancing" (where nobody touches anybody) was invented about 1970 as a means of getting seniors to dance

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 27, 2016, at 4:54 PM, Delia Clark via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> I know that ONS dances are not always the preferred topic with this list, but I have a particular challenge that I need help with and I am hoping some of you might have inspired thoughts.
> 
> I will, for the second time, be calling a dance at a senior residential community that will bring together a range of seniors in wheelchairs, seniors with a range of mobility issues, and able seniors eager to dance, combined with children from the daycare that serves staff of this community, meaning 2-3 year old youngsters and a few of their parents and staff. I understand that these events are really popular as the seniors very much enjoy watching and interacting with the small children of their caregivers.
> 
> The last time I did this I cobbled together a combination of simple dances like Chimes of Dunkirk and Low Backed Car. A few eager folks (mostly staff) danced and most of the senior citizens sat around the outside in a circle, sometimes shaking tambourines and waving scarves. The toddlers joined in the dancing a bit, but also did a lot of running around the edges. At one point we made a parade with all the instruments, which was quite successful.
> 
> I would welcome any insights you might have about how to nurture a fun and successful event in this situation. I call a lot of children and family dances - it’s really my favorite thing to call - but I found this particular combination quite challenging last time. 
> 
> A few details: I don’t know how many people will be there - it’s drop-in. It will be outside on the grass under a tent. The wee ones will be getting picked up by their parents intermittently throughout the event. 
> 
> I’ll take whatever you’ve got!!
> 
> Thanks,
> Delia Clark
> 
> 
> <>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>
> 
> Delia Clark
> PO Box 45
> Taftsville, VT 05073
> Office/mobile: +1-802-457-2075
> deliaclark8 at gmail.com
> www.deliaclarkconfluence.com
> 
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