This a foundational workshop taking place in RAD Headquarters on Sunday 14 October aimed at dance teachers interested in the wider application of dance for wellbeing and considering developing a dance programme for the elderly.

By 2020 more than 20% of the UK population will be 65+ and it is predicted that one in four people alive today will survive beyond one hundred years of age. Given this shift in the ageing population, there is increasing demand from local authority and individuals to provide lifestyle education to enhance the quality and autonomy of an extended life. Dance in all its multiple facets has a key role to play, delivering life enhancing benefits in this growing market sector.

Regular dance activity, using appropriate, adapted techniques improves balance and flexibility, facilitates breathing, increasing oxygenation of the body, improving circulation, stimulating the metabolism and promoting weight loss. Dancing according to recent research, also ‘makes you smarter’ Richard Powers (2012 Online), increasing cognitive ability at any age.

The workshop will explore some of the essential considerations and practicalities of delivering dance sessions for the elderly and present appropriate and adapted techniques for older dancing groups.  We review recent evidence-based research into the benefits of different dance techniques for general use with the elderly and touch on those that address certain specific pathologies such as: Parkinson’s and Alzheimer, and cover fundamental health and safety considerations and contraindications.

Participants will have the possibility to put theory into practice by participating directly in a session with a visiting elderly group and experience first hand the inspiration and satisfaction of delivering an effective community service and at the same time sharing the joy and the magic of dance as a transformative teaching tool.

Tutor:

Clare Guss-West is an RAD classical and contemporary teacher, holistic practitioner (therapeutic massage, Qi Gong), and author, specialized in integrating holistic wellbeing and dance. She creates well-being animation programmes and activities for the elderly and trains ‘dance for longevity’ for dance educators. Clare is a committee member of RESEO – European Network for Opera and Dance Education and leads the dance focus group.

Location: RAD Headquarters

Date: Sunday 14 October 2012

Fee:    

£80.00 for RAD Members and Students undertaking RAD Programmes of Study
£90.00 for Non-Members

Download Application Form

For more information, please email Hannah Merron, CPD Senior Officer, hmerron@rad.org.uk