This specialist training builds upon the foundations established in Dance with Active Older Adults and explores the unique opportunities and challenges of delivering dance within residential care settings.

Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the physical, cognitive, emotional and social factors that influence participation in dance for older adults living in care homes. Through a combination of theory, practical exploration, peer observation and teaching and direct teaching experience, participants will learn how to create appropriate and meaningful dance experiences that support cognition, wellbeing, autonomy, creativity and social connection.

The training introduces practical approaches for working with residents who may be experiencing reduced mobility, frailty, sensory changes, cognitive impairment or more complex health conditions. Particular attention is given to adapting dance activities for such a broad range of skills and cognitive capabilities whilst maintaining artistic integrity, quality with a focus on enjoyment, challenge and opportunities for personal expression and connection.

The programme culminates in a unique, supervised opportunity to put theory into practice and team-teach together with Clare, at Mativa Care Home, Liège. Participants prepare together an appropriate class and are supported through their experience with residents and care staff.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the residential care environment and its implications for dance practice.
• Plan and deliver safe, creative and meaningful dance sessions for care home residents.
• Adapt movement material for diverse seated participation, wheelchairs, walking aids and mixed-ability groups.
• Apply inclusive teaching and communication strategies that encourage ease of motor skills learning and promote engagement and participation.
• Use appropriate improvisation and creative tasks to support diverse cognitive functions, self-expression and social interaction.
• Reflect on and evolve their own teaching practice and identify appropriate pedagogical adaptations.
• Demonstrate increased confidence in delivering dance programmes within residential care settings.

The training combines current knowledge from dance, healthy ageing, person-centred care and wellbeing research with practical teaching experience, equipping participants with the skills required to deliver quality, artistic dance experiences in care settings.

Professor

Clare Guss-West MA, dance and health specialist.

Language

French