Shall We Dance is a dance program designed for seated clients and it runs for about 30 minutes. It involves a variety of activities and can be a lot of fun for those participating.

When planning an activities program, the challenge is to find appropriate music. Full orchestral arrangements, loud voices and persistent heavy beats tend to create an atmosphere of tension. In this program, John Sidney’s music has a gentle beat and his repertoire of old favourites provides people with opportunities to sing-along, or just relax and listen.

Movement to music is instinctive, most of us hum, tap or sway in response to a rhythm or tempo. Happy memories are revived by familiar, much- loved melodies.

Dancing is great exercise! In the forties and fifties many young people ‘went dancing’ up to three times a week. Dancing provided social opportunities to be with friends and meet new people. Many met their husbands and wives at the local dance. In those days ladies did not ‘go to the pub’, the local dance was the place to meet nice girls.

Listening to the music and joining in the movements brings back many happy memories. We also gain benefits from improving mobility of body, limbs and mind, as we follow the steps and remember the good old days.