Dance forges connection between children and elderly

A dance-based connection between older people and school children has proven a toe-tapping success in Lakenham this year - and organisers hope it will set the pace for more schools partnerships.

The project organised by Age UK Norwich offered free dance lessons to youngsters at Edith Cavell Academy and separate sessions for people attending Lakenham Day Centre, run by Community Action Norwich. Then the two joined up.

Age UK Norwich community outreach officer Stella Sheldon said: “It’s been rewarding to see the groups grow. Freelance dance artist Katy Dunne and volunteer Sarah Powell led the sessions, which began in August. Then, for the last few weeks, they have accompanied the class to walk to the day centre where the children have delighted in showing their moves to the older members.

“Everyone has really enjoyed coming together and their teacher, Chris Verney, told us how much the class look forward to their visits.”

Katy Dunne said: “When the two groups came together it was magical! We had almost 50 people aged from 7 to 94, everyone danced together - sharing movement, smiles, laughter and stories. The children loved performing to the older people and it brought the older people lots of joy to watch them dance.”

The work is part of the Agewise+ funding Age UK Norwich receives from the National Lottery, to run community activities. It has a special focus on intergenerational work.

Ms Sheldon added: “Sustainability is important to us. And though this project has now ended, the school and day centre are talking about continuing the relationship, so we are hoping that something permanent will grow out of it. Interestingly, one highlight is that it has given some of the children a chance to explore dance in ways they would not have done otherwise. 

“People might not think of Age UK as providing opportunities for children, but we do find everybody gains something from our intergenerational projects.

“As a charity, we are very interested in working with other schools, and would be delighted to talk to heads about collaborations, whether involving dance or other activities.”

Duane Elkins, Lakenham day centre manager, said: “It has been very exciting to work with Age UK Norwich and Edith Cavell Academy to run the intergenerational dance project. To see the faces of the children and older people light up as they danced together was priceless. We all had a great time moving to the rhythm of the music that brought the community together.”

Dance has been a theme of the year for Age UK Norwich … beginning with an event at The Spiegel Tent last summer, as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. They also have a community dance session at Doughty’s Hospital and run a number of Dance to Health sessions in the city, which are focused on activity to help prevent falls.

Age UK Norwich would like to thank Edith Cavell Academy, Duane Elkins at Lakenham Day Centre and Katy and Sarah for making this such a success.

To talk about schools partnerships, email Stella on stella.sheldon@ageuknorwich.org.uk

The whole range of Age UK Norwich activities for older people can be found on www.lumi.org.uk

Or phone 01603 496333 for details.