WHILE the Strictly glitterball is back in its cupboard for the time being, staff at a Chipping Norton care home put on their dancing shoes and got their resident boogieng.

Cue Sun Rae Inclusive Dancing School hosted a session at Southerndown Care Home, teaching residents a variety of styles, from the waltz to the cha cha cha.

Such was the success of these sessions, that all the home's residents have agreed to sign up for the West Oxfordshire Open Inclusive Dance Championship set to take place in June.

 

 

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Sun Rae, known for teaching older adults to dance, received a wave of enthusiasm among residents at Southerndown when it hosted classes at the facility.

The initiative is not only about fun and recreation but also aids with reminiscence and mobility.

One of the dance teachers said: "What a fabulous way to spend the afternoon, we absolutely loved dancing with the residents – they’re such naturals.

"It was so lovely to get everyone moving, remembering dances from years gone by – it is amazing how the steps come back to you.

"Everyone enjoyed it so much that they all want to take part in our Inclusive Dance Championship in June, they can’t wait for our next session so they can work on their moves for the competition."

The general manager of the care home, Shilpa Nair, said: "We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Southerndown, activities like this are so important for mobility and for reminiscence.

"It was so wonderful to see how happy the residents were dancing and swaying along to the music.

"They are very excited for the competition and can’t wait to take part."