Care Home Residents Try Their Hand At Folk Dancing

Dancing was the order of the day at Southgate Beaumont care home, where residents were keen to get involved with the Iberian folk dances.

Staff and residents were immersed into wonderful costumes, music and group dancing. Everyone was involved and had such a happy afternoon.

The Iberian folk dance company was founded by an English lady Lucille Armstrong back in 1970. Lucille was so passionate about Spain and Portugal and all that it offered. Whilst teaching English there, she took in all the beauty of the language, costumes and dancing and in 1985 the group became a proper society.

With Lucille playing the traditional music on piano and designing all the costumes, the group went from strength to strength. There are currently 22 members and 13 Nationalities within this group. The oldest member is 90 and the youngest is 29. Elsa who is 88 and from South Africa is now the main organiser and told us how in rehearsals they often leave the door open. People hear them from the street and come in to watch. They often find new members that way too!  They continue with public appearances spreading energy and joy as they go.

Zoe, the Activities Co-ordinator at Southgate Beaumont commented: “Here at Barchester Healthcare we believe it is never too late to start something new. We have a celebrating life project where we support our residents to do something they have always wanted to do or lean. We have a number of residents that wanted to try their hand at dancing, so having this company was a wonderful experience for everyone.”

Beatrice Godfrey, General Manager at the home, said: “Our residents had a great day! Music and dancing brings so much joy to our residents. Dancing is great for our memory and wellbeing. It allow a person to express themselves and let loose. When a person feels free, the body releases happy hormones.”