Dancing for fun - Hanover Court mad hatters

The scheme has regular social events, but was not hosting any physical activity, although it had proved popular in the past. After the scheme applied for Dancing for fun, it arranged for the class to start in January 2009, running from 10 to 11am on Fridays.

The class typically receives between 13 and 17 participants each week in the scheme’s relatively small communal lounge. The classes cost £1.50 and attract both Hanover residents and Brampton’s local community. After the exercise the participants arrange tea and coffee and spend some time chatting before departing. We have also welcomed partners to chat with the group about topical issues; for example an Age UK information officer came and joined in to get a better understanding of the class so that she could promote it, but also to discuss with the participants the services and information available to them. This is a fun, welcoming group, full of personality; they enjoy each other’s company as well as exercising.

The housing company

Donna, the scheme manager, says, ‘The class started back in January 2009. In the past there had been extend classes running here, but these stopped about two years before and the residents really missed them, so they were overjoyed when the class started up. I get some great feedback from those who take part and classes are attended not just by the residents of Hanover Court but also local residents from the village. The classes run on a Friday morning and I can always hear the chatter and lots of laughter. The instructor really seems to enjoy taking the classes and I am sure that is one of the reasons why the classes are so well attended every week. Participants are all ages from 60 to over 90 and have a range of abilities, but the class seems to fit all.  I am sure all the participants would hate to see an end to these classes, as it is such a positive and fun thing to do.’

The teacher

Tansy Bruce is a level four qualified fitness teacher with a strong background in dance. ‘The group at Hanover Court have aptly named themselves the mad hatters. This is a large, lively group. We have great fun and there is a lot of laughter. From a chair-based class the group has progressed to some standing balance work. A couple of the participants refrain from standing because of dizziness relating to medical problems. As a whole I believe the group are capable of doing more standing work than they think. The class has made improvements in stamina, strength, flexibility and co-ordination. And, I think, the joking and laughing must be an excellent tonic. It is for me!’

Participants

Jean, aged 78, says, ‘It gets you out of the flat; we have a good laugh and learn things you would not otherwise learn,  ie what muscles are used for different things, and we always have a good laugh and a nice cuppa afterwards.’

Doreen says, ‘The classes are nice social meetings; the class has a good laugh whilst still providing some good exercise and improving our fitness.’

Margaret, aged 75, says, ‘The classes are fun, interesting. It is something different to do and saves me from sitting at home looking at my four walls. The teacher is very good.’

Volunteers

After the class the group stays to have tea, coffee and biscuits. We have two women who make most of the arrangements for this. It is welcome at the end of the session, as it allows people to chat with each other and with the teacher, all adding to the class experience.