28 Jul
2016
28 Jul
'16
1:49 a.m.
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(a)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(a)gmail.com
www.deliaclarkconfluence.com
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