In this blog we take diary accounts from our intern Sophie Linham, who has been working with various organisations and schools to deliver dance focused workshops.


Hospice Forget Me Not Workshop.
- 2 minute read

I worked with a small group of people, with dementia, up at Hospice, to provide a dance/movement workshop. We explored stretches and rhythmic movements, as well as free dance and creativity. This was the first session I had done with a group this age and a group of this ability, and it really opened my eyes to how movement and music especially can benefit those with dementia. We had a really nostalgic playlist that included hits by Abba, Elvis Presley, Bill Hayley and His Comets, Cliff Richard and The Beach Boys. The playlist really got certain members of the group up and moving, and allowed some time for recalling fond memories. I was really touched when I got to have a chat with them during the short breaks we had.
 
We started with a warm up to ‘Hound Dog’, which sparked some laughter and joy. We moved on to a few foot exercises and hand exercises to make sure they were all really nice and warm before we properly got moving. I lead a partner dance section where we twisted and swayed, eventually leading into a free dance – there was always the option to sit or stand depending on how they were feeling; it was nice to see the participants up out of their seats for this short period. We then sat down and had a much needed ice lolly break (which I also enjoyed). We ended the session with a cool down and small stretch, which just ensured their bodies relaxed appropriately and they were at less risk of injury throughout the rest of their day.
 
I received really positive feedback from this session, so much so that they have asked me to come and do another session in September. I think the group seemed to enjoy it and they really liked hearing songs that reminded them of times they may not usually be able to remember. It was also a huge positive being able to get the group up (or sat down) and moving along to the music, the social setting that Hospice has provided for the group was filled with music and dance today and everyone really seemed to be grateful for that. I also really enjoyed the session and was so pleased with how it went. We did end up having a few juice breaks which gave me time to reflect on the last exercise/dance and see how the group was feeling, being supported by Hospice staff (who were all so lovely) really helped too. I was quite concerned going into this as I’d never worked in this environment before, so I didn’t know what to expect, in a real life setting, but it was so lovely and completely different to what I expected. I can’t wait to work with them again.