Resident Phyllis realises wish to dance again  

When our resident Phyllis Haine expressed a wish to dance the Foxtrot and Waltz again, our team set about making her wish come true

Phyllis, often shares happy memories of donning one of her many pairs of sparkly dancing shoes to take part in dances and competitions.

Sue Miles, our Companionship Team Leader explained: “When we learned about monthly community tea dances being held at Broadstone War Memorial Hall, which also cater for people with memory loss and their carers, we excitedly arranged for Phyllis and a group of her fellow residents to attend with our support.”

The Stepping Out Community Tea Dances were launched by the Broadstone Stepping Stones Dementia Group, in partnership with and sponsored by Lesley Shand Funeral Service.

The Leonardo Trust also offers sponsorship by way of paying the ticket price for unpaid carers.

Shall we Dance run the event providing the music, dance and refreshments.

Sue continued: “It was simply amazing. Our residents were treated to classic dances like the Foxtrot, Waltz and the Cha Cha.

“There were also dances to traditional music and those from the Swinging Sixties such as The Twist and Jiving to Rock Around the Clock.

“Needless to say Phyllis was beaming from ear to ear.

“She immersed herself in the music and perfectly executed the steps of all her favourite dances. It was wonderful to watch.”

Phyllis was also captivated by the feet of professional dancers Hazel and Dorothy from Shall we Dance.

She said: “That used to be me. I used to have many dancing shoes that glittered. I’ve had a fabulous time.”

Other residents Joyce Holden and Jean Hands also danced throughout the afternoon.

Jean said: “I haven’t danced since my husband passed away 10 years ago. I’m having a lovely afternoon.”

Residents Gwen Hunte and Pip Smith also had fun being guided around the dancefloor by members of the companionship team.

Sue added: “In between the dances we were taught moves that can be carried out sitting down, such as the Hand Jive and YMCA.

“We also had a singalong to some of our favourite songs including When I’m 64 and When You’re Smiling.

“And halfway through we all had a well-earned break with delicious homemade cakes baked by Hazel before finishing off the afternoon waving pretty scarfs whilst singing We Are Sailing.

“As well as helping Phyllis to realise a much-treasured wish, the dance was a really a lovely way to unite us all as a group and we hope to make this a regular Aldbury outing.”