Archive for the ‘Live It’ Category
Stanhope Community Centre Tea Dance
December 22nd, 2009 | 
Author: They say you should put your best foot forward; well that’s exactly what happened at Stanhope Community Centre. As part of ‘ Move it ‘ element of GEML project, Stanhope held its first Tea Dance, in November.
Interest was initially generated at an Elders Event first held in October 09 at Summerfield Community Centre as part of Black History month celebration.
Stanhope was well attended by 24 local residents. These involved people who had a very keen interest in dance, some of whom had previous experience, whilst others were beginners and eager to learn. There was a real group feeling to the event and everyone took part and seemed to enjoy the experience.
Quote:
“My mom and I come to the lunch group in the afternoons. We both think it’s a brilliant idea and would want it to continue. It’s great opportunity for exercise and to have a good laugh”
Karen Yardley & Kathleen Smith, Highgate.
Taster sessions focused on Ballroom Dancing and Line Dancing. People were encouraged to take part by following basic instruction in Line Dancing; as a result they were able to rediscover their ballroom dancing skills. With both feet firmly planted, it provided greater motivation to arrange further dance sessions. Hence there will be further dance events in the New Year.
Monica Lee; Community Centre Manager ensured the resident luncheon club members were informed and enlisted the help of the on site volunteers; dance instructors had designed the programme accordingly.
Feedback was very positive, identifying how enjoyable the dancing had been, people with limited mobility were doing movements from their chairs. There was laughter, talking, and smiles a plenty. This activity was particularly positive as it was culturally a very diverse group of local residents.
Dance Instructor put the locals through their paces.
Residents commented on how much they had enjoyed it. Some even wanted to pursue this through formal dance lessons and a significant number want to set up a regular dance group at the Centre. People enjoyed an opportunity get out of the house and meet other people and socialise.
Quote:
“We normally just come to the lunch group during the week. Diane attends the women’s group as well. I think it’s a great idea; it’s a great opportunity to meet more people in the community.”
Stanley & Diane Curley, Highgate.
- Residents get into the swing.
GEML Move It element; brings together exercise and community engagement. Some of the activities lend itself to a fantastic way of incorporating structured exercise.
Stanhope Tea Dance provided a unique opportunity to bring people together in a shared experience. The music and movements appealed to all, presenting no barriers.
- Norman & Vera hope there will be more events to come.
Quote:
“Since retirement, we’ve been on a few trips with the Centre. But dancing has been a welcome break; there are not that many places where we get an opportunity like this, so we would definitely come again!”
Vera & Norman Shearer, Balsall Heath.
Yvonne Spencer (Adults & Communities)
Bev Taylor (Housing & Constituencies)
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