Dance for All Ages and Abilities

By Ashley Cook, Year 9

As part of our Year 9 service learning this semester, six of us have been going to Calvary Aged Care with Ms Notley and Ms White once per fortnight to run a dance class.

Last Friday, we had our second session and taught the residents their first full dance routine to You’re The One That I Want from Grease. Three of us sat down to teach whilst the other three stood up, so that all the residents could learn and participate, whether they were standing or seated.

We used simple movements to make it easier for the residents to catch on, and they all did really quickly! It was so much fun to see them all enjoying the dance and music, especially as this was only their second session. Some of the residents were a bit shaky or shy to start with, but by the end of the hour they were all smiling and having a great time (just as we were!). We also showed them a few of our own dance routines from other classes, and they loved watching us.

As we’ve only been there twice, we’re still working out how to best approach the class in order to suit all the residents' abilities, but last week was a perfect example of how capable they all are.

We can’t wait to work on more exciting routines with fun music and props going into the future. This program is quickly becoming the highlight of our week, and we hope it’s theirs too.