Care Home Residents Celebrate International Youth Day With English National Ballet

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Hugh Myddelton House care home in Southgate were treated to a unique performance from English National Ballet to celebrate International Youth Day on August 12.

Prior to the day itself, members of English National Ballet’s youth dance company, ENBYouthCo, and their Creative Director, Richard Bermange, asked residents to submit their memories of going to see films over the years. The cast then used these evocative descriptions, along with Arielle Smith’s digital production of Jolly Folly, as inspiration for their performance.

On the day, residents were able to watch a performance of A Comedy in Long-shot, a dance film performed by ENBYouthCo, participate in a chair-based, creative dance workshop along with the cast and observe an open rehearsal where Richard and the young dancers created a performance inspired by the residents’ childhood memories.

Fleur Derbyshire-Fox, English National Ballet’s Director of Engagement said: “We are delighted to be sharing the work of our youth dance company, exploring the memories of Barchester residents’ trips to the cinema and uniting different generations of people together in one creative space. We hope these unique sessions will provide an uplifting experience and connect residents with the joy of dance and live music.”

Lucy Tomlinson, Resident Experience Manager for Barchester Healthcare, commented: ““We love working with our wonderful partners like English National Ballet to bring a wide range of fantastic experiences into our homes for all to enjoy. The session today was fantastic, our residents loved watched the talented young dancers perform.

“Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and socially connected, providing a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities,” Lucy added.

General Manager, Ramona Stanciu, said: “We have all been transported back in time to the early days of film, it has been wonderful to have such a unique experience brought into our home for our residents to enjoy. We’re so grateful to the ballet for giving up their time to perform for us.”