sit 'n dance

[Helen Winkler <winklerh...>]

I have recently begun teaching dance classes to groups of elderly people 
with restricted mobility/ in wheelchairs, often with dementia.  I inherited 
this job from a friend who has been working at adapting traditional folk 
dances to suit the needs of these individuals.  We use arm movements and 
body movements that can be accomplished seated.  Participants are seated in 
a circle and can join hands.  It has been an amazing experience.  People are 
wheeled into the room,looking very withdrawn.  The music comes on and you 
can literally see the lights go on in their eyes as we begin the class.  
I've used everything from Yemenite, to Yiddish to Albanian Rom dances.  
Several times people have gotten up out of their chairs and have started to 
"shine" in the middle of the circle.  This really gets the group going.  I 
was wondering if other list members have worked with groups such as this and 
if you would like to share ideas, resources etc.
Sincerely,
Helen


Helen Winkler
Helen's Yiddish Dance Page
http://www.angelfire.com/ns/helenwinkler
winklerh (at) hotmail(dot)com

Calgary Folkdance Page
www.cadvision.com/winklerj/cff.html

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