At New Copford Place, our Colchester-based residential care home, residents have put on their dancing shoes to celebrate this year’s International Dance Day.
“The annual International Dance Day is a global celebration of the art of dance,” said Chelsey Leather, the Activities Coordinator at New Copford Place. “The residents love our regular Musical Moments™ sessions with Libby Brinkley so much, I asked if Libby could do a special class to celebrate International Dance Day.”
Libby runs the North Essex branch of Musical Moments™, the award-winning interactive music sessions for older people. “I have been delivering sessions at New Copford Place since October 2023 and host themed sessions throughout the year including Christmas, Easter, Summer, Elvis and Valentine’s and each session incorporates gentle movement activities to keep residents moving and using key muscle groups. When Chelsey asked for a special International Dance Day class, I thought it was a great idea,” said Libby.
Libby designed a bespoke class especially for the residents to celebrate International Dance Day. “The residents had a fantastic time,” continued Chelsey. “Libby’s session covered a wide selection of seated movement activities including the hand jive and tap dancing inspired dances. You could hear the music and laughter throughout the care home.”
“For International Dance Day, the residents enjoyed a wide range of various movement activities including the hand jive and doing dance steps and footwork movements to songs like ‘These Boots Are Made for Walking’ by Nancy Sinatra. They all had a really fun and entertaining class,” added Libby.“Each Musical Moments™ session includes using sensory props, lots of sing-alongs, live music performances, movement to music, reminiscing activities and relaxation time – and International Dance Day was no exception.”
“Dancing offers numerous benefits for the residents,” continued Chelsey. “Dancing improves cardiovascular health, develops strength and endurance and helps with balance and coordination. It can also lift a person’s mood and raise self-esteem; and gentle chair-based exercise classes are wonderful for improving posture and balance and a good form of exercise for residents who have reduced mobility. So Libby’s Musical Moments™ classes are perfect for all the residents to participate in and have fun.”
“Through delivering the fortnightly Musical Moments™ sessions at New Copford Place I have created wonderful bonds with the residents. They always participate really well in the activities and the Musical Moments™ hour I spend with them is always filled with fun and laughter,” added Libby.
“I really enjoy Libby’s classes,” said 89-years-young resident Pat Linscott. “They are great fun and I love the music choices; I often sing along to them. I have always loved to dance, and during Libby’s sessions, I’ll either dance in my chair or sometimes I will even get up and dance, especially if one of my favourite songs is playing.”
93-year-old resident, Joy Hynard has lived at New Copford Place since December 2024 and looks forward to attending the fortnightly Musical Moments™. “Libby is great and very engaging; I enjoy all the aspects of her classes.
“She has a lovely singing voice and is very talented at playing the guitar or ukelele. I can’t dance anymore, but I do follow the movements Libby does in my chair which is great fun and great exercise too.”
All the residents agreed that The International Dance Day Musical Moments™ session was fantastic fun. “The residents had a marvellous time, so much so they are already asking what the next themed session will be. I don’t know yet, but whatever Libby decides to do, I know they will all dance their socks off,” concluded Chelsey.
Find out more about New Copford Place care home by calling 01206 210 397 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.