Dancers in Doncaster are excited about the great success of the newly formed dance group launched earlier this year for residents aged 55 and over.
The new Doncaster Dance on Programme is aimed at raising activity levels and reducing isolation in older adults across the city which is being delivered by artists from the local charity Darts who are one of the largest participatory arts organisations in the UK.
The programme has now completed its free 12-week pilot which has seen many people embed strength and balance into their weekly routine as well as them making a positive lifestyle change and increasing social activity.
The pilot has proven to increase strength and balance as well as supporting fall prevention, and fall reduction.
Anyone over the age of 50 can be signposted to the Dance On programme, and the qualified team will work with individuals to assess their ability and expectations prior to starting a programme.
Dawn Stones, participant of the Dance On programmes, said: “I have attended the Strength and Balance, Breathe and Connect, and Dance On programmes for several years now. As I suffer from joint and muscle pain, they have been invaluable to improving both my mobility and mood. The music and gentle exercise routines are fun for all. The sessions strengthen the body, refresh the mind, and lift the spirits.”
John Stones, participant of the Dance On programmes, and Dawn’s husband, said: “I originally started the Dance On programme before Covid and felt there were many benefits; foremost I enjoyed it, and it was great fun. It helped to develop my fitness, I became more active generally, and I was socialising with the other dancers. I had a greater feeling of wellbeing, I was less tired, and felt invigorated and refreshed.
“After Covid, I attended Breathe and Connect. This was ideal for me as I have COPD, so it helped enormously with my breathing. I really enjoyed meeting other people, and the relaxation exercises really calmed me down. All the activities were very creative, and we even helped to write some songs too! I have recently had a second hip replacement and I felt that I needed further exercises to strengthen my muscles and improve my balance. The Strength and Balance programme seemed ideal, so I went along with my wife. The sessions, which are very enjoyable, not only strengthened my hip joint and other muscles around my hip, but also helped to tone all my muscles and joints.”
Charlotte Armitage from darts (Dance Artist and Postural Stability Instructor), said: "darts is delighted to be able to continue to expand our Dance On offer by focusing on falls prevention and improving strength and balance for Doncaster residents. We're really pleased about the high level of interest we have had for this programme - both from health professionals and from people coming along to the group.
“We are also excited about the research element of the project and hope that we can share the learning widely with local and regional partners. We now have four qualified Postural Stability Instructors, which is seeing the Dance On programme go from ‘strength to strength’."
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer for NHS South Yorkshire said “It is great to see that this pilot has been a huge success. The Dance On programme continues to promote a fun way to staying active, and maintaining and improving your muscle, strength, and endurance. All exercise is good for you and dancing can be a fun way to stay fit for people of all ages. This programme is also great for your mental health wellbeing and meeting new people, which has been demonstrated through the feedback from participants.”
For further information on the Dance on pilot, please visit: https://wearedarts.org.uk/dance-on/
