A quick-step in the right direction
Warwickshire County Council’s Arts Service is dancing with joy at the news of a new arts and health project for older people.
Funding has been secured for the Dance Zone Elders Programme which will benefit older people from North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Coventry including those who may have restricted mobility or dementia.
The scheme will not only bring dance performances to older people but will also join people together to improve their wellbeing, express themselves through movement and participate in tea dances.
Thanks to a grant from the Heart of England Community Foundation, and support from Warwickshire County Arts Service, Omeetoo Combined Arts will be running the Dance Zone Elders Programme at Orchard Blythe, Coleshill; Mayfield House, Bedworth; Eric Williams House, Coventry; Bracebridge Court, Atherstone; Collyhurst Care Home, Bedworth; and Bablake House, Allesley.
Each care home will host three movement sessions, including a Dance Zone performance, a chat, a tea break and a short tea dance for people to participate in.
The free sessions are running from Jan 25 to Feb 12 and are open to anyone interested in the growing field of dance for older people. Non-residents are very welcome but places are limited and only available by prior arrangement with Omeetoo on a first come, first served basis.
The project will be led by Bruce Tetlow, Artistic Director of Omeetoo Combined Arts, who has already worked for the past 18 months with the council’s County Arts Service to deliver popular dance workshops for adults with learning disabilities. The programme includes opportunities for independent creativity and personal expression, which is Dance Zone’s specialty.
Bruce Tetlow of Omeetoo explained: “Dance Zone offers a form of dance which is both relaxing and invigorating - dancing is infectious and audiences can quickly turn into participants.”
Bruce added: “Dance Zone participants and I pride ourselves on being able to inspire a wide range of people. Those who take part will enjoy meeting new people and feel that their dance training is doing some good in their world and helping others.
"Finally, and potentially the most important thing, is to develop an awareness of all these benefits with care home staff, families of the elders, and the general public.”
If you would like to take part, volunteer, or if you work at a care home that may be interested in getting involved with Dance Zone please get in contact with Bruce Tetlow, Project Coordinator, 07766 562028 omeetoo@yahoo.co.uk or visit http://www.omeetoo.info