Dancing and music therapy in the community

Our dances started back in 2017 following a casual chat between one of our staff members, Brian Rowcroft, and a carer. The carer explained that she had nowhere to go during the day to dance with her husband who was living with dementia. Both had stopped dancing as all classes or dance groups met in the evening.

Following discussions with local venues, the dances started in venues across Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland however in 2020 when COVID struck, everything came to a stand still. Knowing what the demand was like prior to the pandemic, we were conscious that the lack of social interaction and exercise and the halt to an enjoyable routine, would have a severe impact on our clients and their carers. We maintained contact with our dancers during this period by telephone and were aware of the devastating impact social isolation was having.

When the guidelines changed in July 2020, when limited groups were able to meet outside, Brian restarted the dances using private outdoor spaces at Kirkleatham Museum and Middlesbrough Environmental City. Armed with a 2 metre stick and tape, Brian would mark out very specific areas in which those who wanted to dance, could do so once more and enjoy their favourite tunes. The dances continued outside until the rules changed again and indoor spaces were allowed but Brian was still armed with tape and his stick as social distancing was still required.

Throughout COVID, we learnt what a vital life line the dances were to many and so we increased the frequency after COVID from monthly to weekly in both areas. This format has remained and we continue to offer a weekly dance in Redcar and Middlesbrough from 12.45pm to 2.45pm every Tuesday and Wednesday.

For anyone new wishing to come, we start off by having a very informal chat before their first attendance  As well as ensuring we have enough capacity for new dancers, we also like to get some important information from new people. This includes knowing who is coming as we expect anyone living with dementia to be accompanied by someone they know.

We also need to find out what music they like as some  people have misconceptions about `dementia dances` thinking they involve China cups and waltzing. Although we do have some slow songs to start with, we can’t disappoint George who loves The Who and The Rolling Stones or forget Maeve’s favourite “'m going to Ibiza' by the Venga Boys.

The one song that we can guarantee is played is  Neil Diamond’s 'Sweet Caroline', used since the very first dance in 2017. This is the only song where we encourage everyone to form a circle and wave their arms, punch the sky and shout 'So good! So good!'. Not only is the song uplifting, it notifies everyone that the dance has ended and unites everyone with a positive feeling before leaving.

Both dances are held in local venues which have ample space indoors for dancing as well as space outside for parking. We know that some of our dancers use a lot of space to dance whilst others may just bop on the spot. Getting the right room is important, a room that is too big can be too imposing for some. This is why its important to know who is coming to a dance so that everyone has a positive experience. The timing of the dances is important so that they are after lunch, giving everyone enough time to get ready and have something to eat before dancing. We try and end the dance with enough time for everyone to avoid the school traffic and dark evenings.

We appreciate that people may be nervous coming the first few times so we try make sure that they know where to go and where to park. Brian will usually be waiting at the door with a friendly welcome and a warm smile and guide you to your seat. We think carefully about where new comers sit as we want the dance to be a place where people have the opportunity to make new friends and peer support. We therefore guide you to a seat next to someone we feel you have something in common with.

People tend to stick to the same seats to provide consistency to the person living with dementia. It helps with navigation and encourages independence with things like trips to the toilet. Tables are provided in each venue and chairs are specifically arranged behind, facing the dancefloor. Seating, facing the dance floor is very important to maximise the feeling of  involvement and to include those who may not be on the dancefloor. Watching people dancing is also a visual prompt and a great way to encourage new comers on to the dance floor too.

With seating and tables around, we ensure everyone can see the screen which displays the corresponding video to the music played. Music videos bring back memories of the era and remind us of the fashion and hairstyles of the time- a great way to reminisce. Other videos provide instruction for dancing with easy sequences. We all try and follow the dancers on the screen which provides  great cognitive exercise. Our DJ has something for everyone and can take requests whilst reacting to the mood of the room. The lights in the room are usually slightly lowered whilst the dance is on however we never have any flashy disco lights.

Half way through the dance the music is turned off and the full lights come back on. A picture quiz is given out to everyone and is usually themed. This could be linked to the season (eg characters in Christmas films) or may be famous actors from the 1960s. The quiz gives everyone a forced break as some of our dancers don’t always recognise when they need to sit and rest. The quiz also provides chat, reminisce and laughter as Brian reads out the answers from the group. Again, helping someone feel included and part of the event.

Many of our dancers bring their own snacks or some to share. Some bring cakes to share when it’s a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or a birthday. We also hold themed dances where you can dress up. Recent examples  include a Wimbledon themed dance where we all wore white and ate strawberries and cream. The Coronation was marked too with a everyone wearing red, white and blue and sharing scones and cream. Ideas for themes are fed from our dancers who make some marvellous suggestions.

For some carers, having the opportunity to speak with other professionals privately can be limited. By inviting others to our dances eg mental health services for carers, carers have that opportunity to access any information in a non clinical environment. It also allows a carer to have private discussions whilst we dance with their loved ones in the same room.

The dances continue on a weekly basis and are well attended. Our carers now have their own Whatsapp group so discussions about themes and ideas can be shared.

Feedback is excellent: 'We can have a bad morning but once I bring [my wife] to the dance all the issues disappear' (a carer). People living with dementia state that the dance leaves them feeling  'Happy and energised'.

We feel that dementia dances offer a unique opportunity for family to have fun with those they live living with dementia. We have had 4 generations come to one dance. We have sons dancing with mothers, husband with wives as well as grandchildren dancing with grandparents. Some have never seen their loved one strut their stuff and are often taken aback by their energy and moves. For a short time, caring responsibilities are forgotten and laughter is restored and an opportunity is given to just `be`.

Where else would they go to see their loved ones come alive again and all dance together, like no one is watching.