Dancing: Not Just For The Young

Dance is not just for the young, it is an artform that transcends age, culture, and language. It brings people together, forming a community that fosters creativity.

The artform of Dance is celebrated globally on 29th April. This date was chosen as it's the birthday of French dancer and ballet master, Jean-Georges Noverre, who is considered to be the creator of modern ballet.

The day was established by the International Theatre Institute and aims to promote dance in all forms, raise awareness of it's value, and encourage participation in dance by people from all backgrounds. It also recognises the contribution that dancers and choreographers have had to the cultural and artisitic landscape... Swan Lake, Footloose, the Macarena... these were all created by talented people.

At BallyCara we have a dedicated dance class led by one of our amazing Exercise Physiologists, Teela. She gave some insight below into why she loves to teach dance and what the benefits for seniors are.

What benefits does dance provide?

"There are so many... I've had clients who have been coming for nearly two years now... they started where they couldn't even pick one foot up off the ground, and they're now doing it without a walker. They're easily moving about, their cardio fitness has really improved, their balance is amazing... Many of them have noticed their balance has changed in their daily life as well!
It's a lot of fun, the music makes it easier because you're not noticing that you are doing so much balance... everyone learns how to do the moves and there are always adjustments that can be made if it's too hard or too easy."

What is currently your favourite song to teach the class?

"I like teaching 'Cotton Eyed Joe', it's not the actual 'Cotton Eyed Joe' dance... I don't know if I'd get anybody hopping on one leg! But it's good fun and it's nice and fast as well. It teaches people that they can in fact pick up their feet and weight-shift from one to the other. All of the things we do in the gym, happen in dance class as well, it's like a balance and aerobics class altogther!"

Advice for anyone wanting to join?

"Just give it a try, you can always do it seated, (or) with a walker. Have a break whenever you need it... just give it a shot!"

For more information on BallyCara's dance class as well as other wellness activities click here.