Dancing For The Ages
Dancing For The Ages is an outreach program which takes Vancouver-area volunteer dancers to local retirement communities to bring the joy of social dance to seniors who may not have had the opportunity to dance in years.
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Dances usually last one hour and most often involve dancing to live music. No experience or long-term commitment is required. Just come, have fun and share your joy!
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To participate, we do ask that you RSVP with either myself (you can use the contact form on the bottom of this page) or Christine Bowdish.
Protocols and Expectations
for Volunteers
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Connect with the elders' hearts and history
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Help elders connect with us
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Be aware of your partner's needs
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Be aware of your surroundings
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A tender, gentle approach is ideal
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Rising and sitting down are key moments that can be dangerous
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Balance is usually an issue; holding them by both arms in practice hold usually works better than simply holding their hands
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Follow their lead - meet people wherever they are
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Patience is a virtue
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Honor the answer "NO"
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Resist the urge to coach
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It is better not to talk the ENTIRE time you are dancing with someone
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Listen to the music, singer and band
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Don't talk over the announcer
Upcoming Dance Opportunities
The leader of Charles and the Angels, the band we usually partnered with Dancing For The Ages events, passed away recently. So, for the time being, all of the events listed below are canceled or on hold. I assume the retirement communities will be looking for other bands to fill the slots that Charles and the Angels were scheduled for, but at this time I don’t know anything for sure about how our group will be affected.
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JULY 16, 2024 - CANCELED
Truewood By Merrill - Senior Living
JULY 25, 2024 - CANCELED
Courtyard Fountains Senior Living (Gresham, OR)
JULY 26, 2024 - CANCELED
Springwood Landing
OCT 15, 2024 - ON HOLD
Truewood By Merrill - Senior Living​
DEC 17, 2024 - ON HOLD
Truewood By Merrill - Senior Living
Past Dance Opportunities
JUNE 11, 2024 - Prestige Senior Living Bridgewood
MAY 24, 2024 - Springwood Landing Gracious Retirement Living
APR 16, 2024 - Truewood By Merrill - Senior Living
MAR 21, 2024 - Courtyard Fountains Senior Living (Gresham, OR)
MAR 29, 2024 - Springwood Landing Gracious Retirement Living
JAN 26, 2024 - Springwood Landing Gracious Retirement Living
NOV 21, 2023 - Truewood By Merrill - Senior Living
NOV 10, 2023 - Springwood Landing Gracious Retirement Living
SEPT 22, 2023 - Springwood Landing Gracious Retirement Living
SEPT 4, 2023 - Truewood By Merrill - Senior Living