Abstract

This practical handbook will empower activity coordinators and carers to run safe, rewarding and health-giving dance and movement sessions with older people, including with those who are frail, who have limited mobility or who are living with dementia.

The authors describe the many benefits of dance and movement for older people, and address important practical considerations such as carrying out risk assessments, safety issues, adaptations for specific health conditions and disabilities and how to select appropriate props and music. Step-by-step instructions for 20 dances and movements drawn from a wide range of eras, cultures and traditions are then provided. Ranging from Can Can and Charleston to hand jive, morris dancing, sea shanties and traditional hymns with movements, there is something to suit every mood and occasion.

This is an essential resource for activity coordinators and carers working with older people in care homes and day centres.

This book...will make a great contribution to activity provision. It should become the bible for anyone interested in dance and movement sessions with older people. The depth of detail and information provided takes you step-by-step through everything you would need to do along with interesting insights into the history of each type of dance. The familiar songs are well-chosen for the group of older people who are dependent on others for support.
Sylvie Silver, Director, National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People
This is a very important and timely book for anyone who is either thinking of initiating or is already leading dance and movement classes for older people or those living with dementia. This well researched and clearly presented volume offers a wealth of practical suggestions on all aspects of planning and delivery of sessions from health and safety considerations and logistical implications to ideas for individual dances and significant occasions on which to base themed dance events... The book includes step-by-step instructions and music suggestions for dances from a wide range of genres, cultures and time periods, as well as links to two online videos... It will provide a good introduction to anyone new to the field.
Malcom Burgin & Gill Roberts, ALIVE! Regional Managers
Signpost
This handbook is designed to provide activity coordinators and carers with the information, knowledge and guidance to confidently and safely organise and facilitate dance and movement sessions for older people...The handbook covers a variety of aspects relating to dance and movement sessions for older people and includes chapters on understanding the benefits of moving, how to set up and prepare for a movement session including considerations that need to be made and finishes with examples of dances styles and themes which can be utilised. The examples of songs and music within the handbook are also accompanied with movement suggestions...The layout of the handbook was clear so you could easily find specific information and the content within it was explained in an uncomplicated manner... there is a link to a website where some of the dances are demonstrated... this handbook will be able to guide you accurately and methodically and ensure that you consider the health and safety aspects at the same time as providing positive engagement and stimulation for those the session is intended for. The handbook provides you with an instant source of music and movement ideas which then both you and those attending your class can extend upon should you wish.... It contains in depth information and step by step guidance to ensure that you can confidently and safely execute dance and movement sessions... Once you get your hands on this book, you will not need to buy another dance and movement inspiration book, as for me this book contains everything that you need to know and more!
NAPA, Living Life Magazine
Delia Silvester first trained as a ballet dancer and then as a PE instructor. She worked for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) and the British Nursing Association, and over a period of twelve years, through outreach work in care homes, developed a series of movements-to-music and dances specifically designed to address the mobility and memory limitations of older people. Delia ran workshops for activities organisers on behalf of the National Association of Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) in south-west England. In 2004, she founded Dance Doctors, a dance company that performed in care settings, teaching both residents and staff. Susan Frampton has worked in the magazine and book publishing industries for over thirty years as a publisher and editor.