In June, I attended the Dementia Pathfinders' facilitated Circle Dance training session held in
Alton. Initially, my understanding of Circle Dance and its applications in dementia care was
limited. However, I left the session with a smile on my face and a newfound appreciation for
its holistic benefits.
The session began with a warm-up dance that immediately set a welcoming tone. Moving
together created an instant connection with the other attendees and made me feel at ease
despite my limited knowledge of the practice. It became immediately clear even from the
warm-up that Circle Dance builds a sense of community and belonging, which is so
important for those living with dementia.
The day's agenda was thoughtfully structured. We started with an introduction to the
theoretical aspects of Circle Dance and its benefits, then quickly moved into learning the
choreography for various dances, including those that involved standing, seated movements,
stretchy bands, and percussion. Liv McLennan, our trainer, was incredibly engaging and
skilled at breaking down the steps, making the dances accessible to everyone, regardless of
their previous dance experience.
One of the most memorable parts of the day was when we had the chance to choreograph
our own dance to the South African song “Masithi.” We were divided into groups and
instructed to create 2-4 different movements for a Circle Dance to share with the whole
group. This task highlighted how accessible Circle Dance is, both to participate in and to
create and personalise. In fact, the feedback on my group's dance routine suggested that we
could have simplified the movements even further. This exercise sparked creativity and
reinforced the importance of participant involvement in the dance process. It was a reminder
that Circle Dance is not just about movement—it's about expression, connection, and joy.
Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the mix of
traditional and contemporary music, while others noted how the session inspired them to
incorporate more dance into their daily routines with dementia patients.
Reflecting on the training, I realised how impactful Circle Dance can be in dementia care. It
offers a unique way to connect with individuals on an intrinsic level, promoting physical
activity, emotional expression, and social interaction. The joy and laughter shared during the
dances, particularly during the stretchy band dances, were a testament to the power of this
practice.
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