As we approach the end of 2024, I had the privilege of attending the final Dancing with Dementia class of the year in Braintree. This vibrant, engaging session truly embodied everything the Dance Network Association (DNA) stands for: joy, creativity, and connection. Funded by the Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund and the Jean and Peter Davey Charitable Fund, with space kindly offered by Braintree Mews, the class was a perfect blend of Christmas cheer and meaningful engagement. 

The class brought together a wonderful mix of familiar faces from when we first started the programme as a pilot earlier this year, as well as some newer participants from Braintree Mews Care Home. Rachel Newby and Sam Blayney, the ‘dynamic duo’ as I like to call them, brought so much Christmas energy, from the very start to the end. Their enthusiasm filled the room with warmth and excitement!  

Rachel had a fantastic selection of Christmas tunes that everyone sang along to (much more beautifully than I could, too!). One of the highlights of the session was when a lovely lady from a nearby home, who has been coming to class since their inception, asked if she could sing for the group. She performed a beautiful version of "White Christmas," which made my heart so full. It was great that the facilitators could provide that space for this individual, and it felt so special and inclusive.  

The session started with gentle hand-eye coordination exercises, where balloons were gently tapped, kicked, and nudged to the music of the Edward Scissorhands soundtrack. This set a perfect, snowy scene for the class and immediately engaged every participant, creating a sense of unity and joy from the very first moment. 

Rachel's "bag of tricks" added extra fun to the class. She brought along a variety of props that DNA regularly uses, such as scarves and giant stretchy bands, but also some special Christmas-themed items. A white parachute and small, soft, fluffy 'snowballs' were particularly popular, and Sam had her work cut out for her, collecting the snowballs in a small container while Rachel cheered everyone on when a snowball went into the "goal." The fun continued with the classic holiday tune "Merry Christmas Everyone" by Shakin' Stevens, where participants got up out of their seats and danced, some creating duets and some forming larger groups to boogie together. I found it so difficult not to get up and join in myself!  

After the class, we shared a cuppa and a chat, enjoying Christmas biscuits wonderfully baked by Gem Gem’s Cakery in Wivenhoe. The biscuits were a big hit, and everyone enjoyed the chance to relax and reflect on the class. We were also delighted to have a visitor, Amanda from Eastlight, who shared that the class made her feel incredibly festive.

We look forward to reading her story about her experience on their social media in the coming weeks! 

The entire experience spanned 1.5 hours, with 45-60 minutes dedicated to the guided dance class, followed by a relaxed social gathering. This blend of creative movement and social connection is what makes Dancing with Dementia so special, promoting both mental and physical well-being while fostering a sense of community among participants, caregivers, and volunteers. 

As we look ahead to 2025, I'm filled with gratitude for the impact of these classes and the joyful moments they bring to everyone involved. I also cannot wait to go back and join in this wonderful class in Braintree, along with DNA’s many other classes in the community!  

Christmas Wishes

Karen Pratt - Dancing for Joy Programme Manager DNA