At The Original Spinners, as a community dance company, we’re always amazed by the incredible power of dance, not just to lift people’s spirits but its ability to connect and to make a difference to the lives of those who take part.
Nowhere is this more evident than our offering of dance in hospitals working with individuals living with dementia. What began, before lockdown, as a community dance in healthcare six-week pilot for Southmead Hospital has since evolved into sessions across two more hospitals. We now also visit the BRI and Weston General spreading joy every week through the wards and individual bays, reaching people living with dementia.
We’re so grateful to have these projects currently funded by the Southmead Hospital Charity and by Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity respectively, allowing us to facilitate our particular brand of dance in medical settings.
Music makes the magic
Dementia can bring its own set of challenges, perhaps manifesting in agitation or a withdrawal from the world.
But we’ve discovered that community dance, clowning and play on hospital wards can bring huge benefits. Because as soon as the music begins, something truly special unfolds. You know how you feel when a song you love comes on the radio? There’s a special connection, perhaps with a particular person, or a moment in time.
For us, this is often the key. We always prepare for a session with a carefully curated playlist but if patients are reluctant – or physically unable – to participate in the movement, we always ask for requests. We love the eclectic range of artists and genres that are suggested: from Abba to Metallica, Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones, Beethoven to Elvis.
With the music playing, patients are gently invited to take part in their own way. For some, this might mean waking from sleep, watching the dancers and perhaps tapping their fingers or toes.
For others who wish to engage more, props – feathers or ribbons on sticks, inflatable microphones or cut-out cardboard hearts – are offered to help them join in freely with whatever movement they choose. The prop is the “trigger” that encourages them to move, but there is no expectation for them to do anything beyond what they would like.
This is in direct contrast to a normal hospital setting where their movement may often be assessed in clinical terms. Instead, individuals follow the fun: “They want to follow the music and they want to follow the excitement,” explains a staff member.
Participatory activity
For those who do join in, although the aim is for them to move more, the movement is more than exercise; crucially for those living with dementia, non-verbal interactions such as dancing are a profound way to reconnect, to express, and to be in the moment.
Movement offers a wonderful outlet for self-expression, a method of communication when words are hard to find, allowing feelings to flow freely and authentically. We’ve also witnessed how moving to music can be incredibly soothing, helping ease feelings of anxiety or agitation, commonly associated with dementia.
“The best thing I’ve ever seen,” said one patient, “I’m in a completely different mood now, I’m so happy!”
“That was bloody marvellous!” said another.
“Never in my 97 years have I ever seen anything like this, it’s beautiful!”
It’s a hospital wellness program with a difference.
Staff enjoy dance sessions too
But our sessions aren’t just appreciated by patients. Our work brings everyone on the ward together through movement and play.
From the moment we enter a ward, the mood changes: the costumes we wear, the music choices, the decorated trolley, all work to lift the atmosphere on the ward. Staff members comment how the sessions allow for a moment of fun and joy in their working day, and bring a positive benefit not just for the patients but for everyone on the ward.
“I love working when I know you’re going to be here. I really look forward to it,” said one staff member. Another said: “There was a lovely happy atmosphere with lots of smiling, laughter, enthusiasm and gratitude.”
Creating shared connections
Fostering connections is one of the most heartwarming aspects of our Dance for Dementia sessions.
Dementia can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, particularly when patients are spending extended periods in hospital. We address that in our sessions by inviting everyone who wishes to do so to join us. We involve all patients, even those in individual rooms or by dancing outside their windows if they are too ill to join in. Even if patients are unable to participate physically, they can enjoy it on a musical and visual level.
Staff who join in also find new ways of connecting with patients: “I’m finding new ways to strike up conversation and connection with a patient,” reported one.
Playing songs that bring back memories also offer the participants a rich emotional experience, offering beautiful moments of connection. One of our most moving and rewarding sessions was when we spent time with a patient receiving end of life care. We were able to play him favourite hymns that brought back many happy family memories for him.
Dance for dementia
Dementia, particularly in the very elderly and frail, can bring significant challenges as the disease affects memory, communication and overall quality of life. However, a growing body of evidence highlights dance as a powerful and joyful intervention.
Dance for dementia is a reminder that emotions can often be communicated and understood through the universal languages of movement and music. It offers a beautiful language when words might be hard to find.
It’s an offering we’re incredibly passionate about and so proud to see others recognise the value of such work.
Dance in health settings is a magical ingredient in supporting those living with dementia – and we’re here to shout about how amazing it can be.
