Residents at Chirk Court Care Home take part in Strictly Come Dancing inspired dance sessions

Nan Roberts, 95, a resident at Chirk Court Care Home, has joined forces with young dancers from Ysgol Y Waun Primary School to participate within the Strictly-inspired classes on a weekly basis.

The weekly-based dance sessions, which draws on a wide range of different dance styles and rhythmic movements, are attended by up to twenty elderly residents at any one time.

Residents from the care home in Wrexham, partner up with children who are aged between eight and nine years-old, in a project that is designed to promote intergenerational friendships and improve well-being.

Pictured are pupils Ruby and Jack, Archie Griffiths, Cerys Roberts and Jura Brilous with residents Nan Roberts, Annie Harper and George Pierce with activities co-ordinatore Mandi Southern, Cllr Frank Hemmings and dance teacher Anita Lloyd

Mandi Southern, activities co-ordinator at Chirk Court Care Home, said: “Wherever possible we encourage people to carry on their hobbies.

"We have created a vegetable patch, we have bought a football net for one gentleman who still loves to kick a ball and now we have these exercise classes and why not? Life is for living.

“There is a lot of giggling of course and fun. We have even danced to the Full Monty, which saw everybody running in from outside to see what was going on.

“Even the nurses, family members and other visitors will join in when they see the classes in full swing , it uplifts everybody, not just the children and residents.

“We do a sit-down version of the Tango, moving our feet and arms. We enjoy a bit of jazz. We have not quite got round to Hip-Hop yet but you never know. I am sure we would give it a go."

Once a month, the care home invites around ten children from the school to join in and share their love of music and movement.

The exercise session is very popular, that even those that are unable to take part, go on to cheer and spectate from the side lines, which also includes 107-year-old Rita “Nan” Evans, who has become a particular hit with the children.

Nan Roberts taking part in the movement session

Last year, the care home who are managed by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Ltd, successfully applied for a £1,800 Community Plus Award from them, which was made available due to the company celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of industry champions Care Forum Wales, congratulated Chirk Court for thinking outside the box to help promote intergenerational friendships.

Mr Kreft, said: "This is a fantastic project benefitting everybody involved.

“Bringing young and older people together over a shared love of dance and music is a great way of initiating friendships and motivating residents to try new activities.

“These dance classes are having a brilliant impact on the well-being of the residents and helping to widen the children’s understanding of their world.”

The funding, which was granted to expand the home’s intergenerational work, ensures that the care home can continue to provide these dance sessions until at least the end of the year.

Manager of the care home, Lisa Johnson, said: “It is great to see how initiative has succeeded as we would have hoped, in encouraging relationships and community integration which will last throughout the lives of the younger and older residents of Chirk, and support dementia friendly communities which are truly integrated."

Resident, Nan Roberts, 95, who is originally from Glyn Ceiriog, expressed her delight at how much of a positive impact the dance sessions have had on her life.

She said: "I look forward to the dance and exercise class each week.

"I have made lots of friends and enjoy spending time with the school children on their visit.”

Another resident, Annie Harper, 89, who was born and raised in Yorkshire, added: “The dance class always makes me feel good.

“It cheers me up and I have lots of fun with my new friends.”

The sessions are run by Denbigh-based dance practitioner Anita Lloyd and often consists of the use of rhythmic ribbons and scarves for additional sensory benefit.

Anita Lloyd, said: “Every Monday when I arrive, the residents are there waiting for me.

“As soon as we start, they know exactly what to do and they remember what is coming next which is amazing.

"They remember the emotion of that specific time as the music is a big trigger.

"They are always happy and smiling and we always have a giggle.

“It has been lovely to watch the development. We use physio movements and engage both sides of the brain at all times.

"They’ve all really progressed and I see it in the way they stand up and their posture.

“You can really see a difference when the children are involved. The residents just light up.”

As part of the project, Anita also attends the primary school each week to raise awareness of dementia amongst the schoolchildren.

This sees them working in pairs to play games whilst their friend are in control of their movements, which is used to increase their understanding of the experiences of someone living with memory loss.

John Roberts, headteacher of Ysgol Y Waun, said: “Pupils in years three and four have really enjoyed learning dance routines and sharing a dance class with the residents at Chirk Court.

“Everyone gets involved to the best of their ability. It is important that children learn to value their community and everyone who lives within it.

“Various school groups visit Chirk Court across the school year and this includes visits from the school choir. After classes, the residents like to chat to the children and share their stories over a cup of tea.

“These dance classes have been very beneficial and we hope that with continued support and funding, we will be able to continue working on similar projects in years to come.”