Bollywood Moves Energize Grateful Grandmother Nalini

A taste of Bollywood magic delighted a talented dancer and her fellow residents at a Winchester dementia care home.

Nalini Bhagwat asked staff at the Colten Care home if they would make her New Year wish come true to revisit some Bollywood dance moves.
Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake used social media to invite any Bollywood practitioners in the community to make contact if they wanted to come in and dance with Nalini.

The call was answered by dance teacher and University of Winchester business student Vaishnavi Singh.

A visit was arranged and amid great excitement on the day, grandmother Nalini had her hair done and dressed up in her own pink salwar kurta.
Laura said: “When Vaishnavi started dancing and showing her skills, Nalini didn’t take long at all to get up from her chair to dance along. She had been so excited ahead of the visit.

“She is always dancing and trying to teach us Bollywood moves so it was great to give her the opportunity to get up and dance with someone who, like her, dances authentic Bollywood.

“They both looked amazing and danced to so many songs together. Vaishnavi was so good with Nalini, letting her lead on most of the dances and joining in with her.

“Nalini didn’t stop smiling from ear to ear and danced away for nearly an hour to songs including Kya Baat Haii, Chogada, Meri Jaan, Pasoori and many more.

“We are so thankful Vaishnavi reached out. She really made Nalini’s wish come true and the other residents absolutely loved it. Some of the staff and residents who were watching even got up and joined in with the pair of them.”

Vaishnavi, who has previously given dance tuition to children, said: “It was a pleasure to offer my help to make Nalini’s wish come true. She is a fantastic dancer and we both had so much fun. I really enjoyed getting to know her and talk about our culture.”

Laura added: “It was a joy and privilege to help make Nalini’s dream come true. The visit was a chance for her to reminisce about dancing days gone by.

“We find that the freedom of movement in dance can improve residents’ moods and is good for physical wellbeing. This was an afternoon full of expression, smiles and laughs.”