Dance offers older people many physical and social benefits, but performing to an audience makes the greatest impact on wellbeing, believes Jemma Bicknell.
In my work as a producer and choreographer of older people’s dance, I’ve repeatedly seen how the goal of putting on a performance can draw out and enhance real benefits beyond the physical and social.
By providing a safe space in which to take risks, preparing and putting on a performance can boost people’s expectations of themselves and thus raise their self-esteem. It can facilitate new relationships based on shared endeavour and can lead to a range of emotions that come with... more
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