DANCE
HEALTH
for retirement residencies, day programs, care facilities and community centers
Engage and develop wellness through movement
AIC Dance Health is where dance, health, wellness and community intersect. Under the umbrella of Adam in Chatham INC, AIC Dance Health develops, creates and runs tailored dance/movement classes and workshops for specific individuals and groups, retirement residencies, day programs, care facilities and community centers.
Please contact the director of programming Adam Spencer at dance@adaminchatham.com or 508-514-0809 for pricing and more information. We will make every effort to work with every group and organization to make this financially viable for all to participate.
Our goal is to is to provide our partnering organizations and their participants with unique dance programs that will engage, develop wellness through movement and promote inclusion.
Meet our AIC Dance Health Team
Who is it for?
Our dance programs are appropriately curated to include both standing and sitting participants, those with impairment issues and most importantly created to deliver a welcoming and inclusive environment for all to experience the guided benefits of movement and music.
What type of dancing will we do?
Classes will offer a warmup with music, demonstrations from their teacher or dancers from the Adam in Chatham, Inc. ballroom dance school or youths from the 501(c)3 Studio 878 Trust Chance2Dance program.
Ballroom partnering is offered for both standing and sitting participants to generational music from the 1930s, 40s and 50s (specifically the waltz, foxtrot, jitterbug and rumba), plus fun dance inspired exercises and a relaxing cool down.
How does it work?
By using the fundamental principles of ballroom dance, jazz and contemporary dance we aim to stimulate mental acuity and focus, increase flexibility and balance and develop control and co-ordination.
The social inclusivity of our group dance classes and camaraderie of participating members fosters a sense of community, psychological wellness and collective happiness from a shared experience.
What if I don't think I can dance?
Our programs are designed to ensure that participants feel as if there is “no wrong movement”, no pressure to memorize routines. No prior dance experience is necessary.
Participant dancers are encouraged to work within their own personal dance kinesphere - whether small or big. If participants prefer to sit back, relax, watch and enjoy music as an active spectator we also encourage this.
What is the class structure?
Every group is different, so we design each movement class after a discussion with the participating organization to ensure that we meet the needs of their members.
That said, the following is a typical example of what we could provide:
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Each class is 30, 45 or 60 minutes
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Classes held weekly or bi-weekly, in a 10-week series (3 series over the course of a year
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5 to 15 participants per class
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Held at your facility, in a space that allows congregation for all and enough space for movement and dance
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Staff are encouraged to actively participate along with group members – we feel this encourages participation and wellness for all involved.
We ask if there are any participants who you may be concerned about participating in these classes to notify the dance program director and suggest the member to consult with a professional to seek medical advice.
The power of dance, movement, music and social inclusion
Improves strength, balance and coordination
Dancing requires muscle strength and flexibility, which effectively can also lead to better balance, potentially helping to prevent falls. Feeling self assured, comfortable and confident in your body’s movements both on and off the dance floor is one of the best gifts of dance.
The power of dance, movement, music and social inclusion
Lessens joint distress and pain
Suffering from painful joints, especially knees and hips can be both physically, mentally and spiritually draining. However, regular low-impact dance has been shown to reduce joint pain and improve flexibility, which is another health benefit of dancing for seniors.
The power of dance, movement, music and social inclusion
Boosts heart health
Dance is considered an effective cardiovascular workout, especially the fast-paced Latin styles that get your heart rate up. Boosting heart health through moderate-intensity dance at least once a week is an effective start for increasing stamina.
The power of dance, movement, music and social inclusion
Sharpens your mental acuity and focus
Exercise, in general, promotes neuron growth, dopamine release and healthy brain function. Dance, in particular, is associated with a lower risk of dementia and according to medical journals, dance activates the temporal and prefrontal cortexes of the brain, promoting a faster think rate.
The power of dance, movement, music and social inclusion
Gives you energy & happiness
Culturally, dancing is one of the most instinctive ways to physically express happiness. The source of this joy and energy can be a combination of the physical movement itself, the social connections you make through dance, and the music you’re dancing to. This is the trifecta of happy living and providing this in one is beneficial for all participants. For those struggling with depression, dance is shown to be a positive form of therapy and enjoyment.