The new dance group for over 55s (anyone over the age of 50 are welcome to attend) launched in Doncaster on Monday 22 January, with the aim of improving their strength, balance, and well-being. The sessions are delivered by artists from darts, as part of their popular Dance On programme.
There was a fantastic turn-out at the first session with Charlotte and Alex (both Dance Artists and Postural Stability Instructors) from darts making everyone welcome and comfortable as they arrived.
The session was fun and lively from start to finish, with lots of smiles and laughter throughout from everyone! It was a very relaxed and social atmosphere. Charlotte and Alex encouraged everyone to participate in whichever way was most comfortable for them, be that standing, or seated and were always focussed on the abilities of individuals in the group to ensure they had fun, and it was enjoyable for them. Each week different exercises and stretches will be introduced to build up their strength and balance abilities.
The free 12 week pilot sessions run weekly until 22 April (with a 2 week Easter break on 1 & 8 April), £3.00 per session thereafter (free for carers). They are held as drop-in sessions, so there is no need to pre-book your place. All sessions will be held at 10.30-11.30am in Woodfield Park Community Hall, Tickhill Road, Doncaster, DN4 8QN with social time afterwards from 11.30am onwards in the Victorian Tea Rooms at St Catherine’s House.
You can join the sessions at any point throughout the programme and, after the pilot phase they will be offering participants a loyalty scheme: attend five sessions and you will receive the sixth one free! The other sessions within the wider Dance On programme also offer this loyalty scheme.
So, why not come along for a fun, interactive and enjoyable way to stay active and meet new people! The new group focusses on strength and balance, with a view to supporting fall prevention, fall reduction, integration back into the community, combating deconditioning, building confidence, reduction of frailty and increasing social activity.
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, so they feel safe and confident with the group throughout. The team will also work with individuals to establish the most appropriate programme within Dance On, and the location for them to attend.
One participant said at the end of the session: “I hope I speak for everyone when I say that I feel so much better than when I first came in!”
A spokesperson for darts said: "darts is delighted to be able 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 so far - both from physiotherapists 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."
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer for NHS South Yorkshire ICB, said: “It is great to see this pilot being launched and the first session being a great success. The Dance On programme promotes 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.”
Jodie Bridger, Senior Partnerships Manager, Leisure Services for Get Doncaster Moving, said: “Dance On is a great example of how health services, darts, and residents are working together to support more people to get moving in a welcoming, safe and accessible environment, at the heart of Doncaster’s communities.”
