Hollis had a suspicion that this woman was cognitive, at least at this moment. Hollis also had a suspicion that this woman had experienced hallucinations in the past and might be looking to confirm she wasn’t hallucinating. Hollis approaches but doesn’t stop her from touching Bright Hawk.
As the group grows in size the positive energy is increased and more people are singing. Often in these later moments, we will see people living with aphasia, singing with us, singing with the group, a simple word. Singing “Love” – over and over with both of us, and the entire group, encouraging each other. The room always changes after that song, like turning on the wake-up switch!
He glared at Hollis with flaring nostrils as if Hollis had just thrown salt on an old wound. “I don’t deserve to be part of that circle.” He said it with such discipline and sternness Hollis was almost taken aback but felt deep compassion for that man at the moment. Hollis is very well educated on gang tattoos, gang life and the general vibration of this community and has sometimes even contemplated working with prison populations. Hollis glared back with just as much passion, knowledge and sternness in their convictions and stated the truth.
As I squatted in front of her I begged for the answer, “What is the meaning of Life?” I looked her in her eyes and she said,
Each time in the circle she would tear up when Bright Hawk would talk about Hawaii. When Hollis would lean in to invite her to dance, she would happily join in on the hula dance we do for the Hawaii story. She would smile big and each time she would say the same thing, “Ohhh I remember doing the hula with my husband on our honeymoon!”
Anyone that has worked with groups KNOWS that is more than half the group is feeling happy & joyous the rest of the group follows suit. This group had over 40 individuals excited to sing, dance, exercise, and listen to stories that warm the heart and inspire the soul. The group goes from chaotic and ‘just another day’ to smiling, hugging, and singing. Activity directors get excited when they see their group happily exercising together and are moved when they witness their transformation into happy & joyous folks.
Let’s Dance engages them in a profound way leaving them in a wake of hugs, exercise, big smiles, and uplifted moods. We engage people that haven’t engaged in months with music that opens up the heart and a lifetime caregiver that approaches residents one on one. Even cognitive communities love to have us visit because they know they are supporting our visits to their peers in memory care units.
Activity directors would validate our suspicion when they would say “I have never seen anything like this!” or “I cannot believe you engaged Judy, she hasn’t opened her eyes in months!” or “I was so surprised when Marjorie began dancing and singing with you! She never comes to activities!”
Let’s Dance is excited to offer entertainment to communities with elderly, special needs, dementia residents and other people including those in wheelchairs. This entertainer is available in Oregon in Nov & Dec. – California in Dec. – Arizona in January. Let’s Dance is a non-profit and is in service to all income levels, please visit our website for more information including our calendar where you…
We could really use your help in spreading the word. Just take one moment to help other people become aware of Let’s Dance! Please share on your local social media page or you can use this email to send to your coworkers. CLICK HERE TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Our Western Tour is underway and we are excited to be visiting Oregon, Nevada, California, and…
