DANCING FOR THE AGES
Extend your Joy of Dance to Senior Citizens. Win instant gratification!
What is Dancing for the Ages (DFA)?
Dancing for the Ages is a group of volunteer social dancers who meet at residential care homes around the Puget Sound area to bring the joy of dance back to seniors who grew up with partner dancing…to the "big bands"…and, in most cases haven't had anyone to dance with in years
How did DFA begin?
DFA is the brainchild of Marlene Bengeult. Marlene was inspired by her 92 year old mother who lives in a retirement center, has always loved to dance and now rarely gets the chance to. Marlene thought, "I know a lot of dancers. I bet some of them would love to come into retirement centers like this and to dance with the residents and put smiles on their faces." She talked to a few people about her idea and was met with unanimous support and offers to volunteer.
Why get involved?
Volunteers have said that it is the most gratifying things they have done in a long time.
"Our experience dancing with the residents was so rewarding…such appreciation, such fun watching them come out of their shells, accept us, start to smile, gain confidence and eventually ask each other to dance. As we were packing up, one resident asked, "When will you come back?" I said, "When would you like us to come back?" She said, "Tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day and the next day...!"
"It's pretty casual and not unlike any other dance, except that the residents have varying degrees of mobility/stability. Some of them are pretty darn spry and may be able to out dance some of us ;-). When we go to new venues things can start a little slow. We're strangers, after all, and some of them can be shy and may need a little coaxing. So we circulate, try to read body language - dancing in their chairs is a good indicator - and ask the residents to dance. Folks usually warm up as time goes by. I guarantee you, that if you give it a try, you'll get hooked."
How can I get involved?
Come try us out! Just email dancingfortheages@nwdance.net to let us know that you would like to try it. We will send you a list of monthly opportunities. Dances are typically one hour. Respond to let us know at which dances you will join us and then just show up! That's all there is to it. No experience or long term commitment required. Just come, have fun, and share your joy.