In November 2019, Call-In Homecare exclusively partnered with the Scottish Ballet to bring our Service Users ‘Time to Dance’, a free dementia-friendly dance class lead by two professional dancers from the Scottish Ballet. The class was held in The Studio at the Festival Theatre.
Time to Dance is Scottish Ballet’s dementia-friendly dance programme, designed for people living with dementia, their families, friends and carers. The class was accompanied by a pianist who played excerpts from the Scottish Ballet’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’. The expert dance artists were able to gently guide those who attended through a range of dance movements aimed at encouraging communication, expression, coordination, creativity and social interaction.
Scientific research shows that dance/movement therapy has been effective in stimulating social interaction, enhancing mood, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms, increasing self-awareness and self-expression. Furthermore, dance/movement therapy can even maintain and at times improve memory and cognitive functioning. The focus of communication is on non-verbal attunement and mindfulness, both of which become increasingly important as many dementias affect language and cognitive awareness.
We hope to hold another class this coming Spring. If you would be interested in attending, please get in touch by phoning the Edinburgh office on 0131 656 7310, or via email (ClaudiaPhilpot@call-inhomecare.co.uk).
