Boogie in Balintore dance project offered a year of dance activity and social opportunities to older adults living in the Seaboard Villages from 2016-17. Funded by the Voluntary Action Fund and delivered by Julia and Cath Giles through Isabella Dance. By collaborating with local groups such as the Seaboard Over 60s and the Seaboard Cares Charity, Boogie in Balintore aimed to reach out to older adults in the Seaboard Villages and encourage participation in a fun, social activity that is also great for improving fitness. As a legacy of the project weekly dance classes for the Over 50s are led by Julia in the Seaboard Hall in Balintore.
“At the end of the class I feel like I have benefitted – it suits my age and physical capability”
“Coming lets me meet people and helps to keep me fit”
“I feel looser and fitter and am able to do more each week”
“The class has become an important part of my week – keep it going”
The project also organised two Tea Dance Extravaganzas in the Seaboard Hall with live music from Ballroom and Latin Dance band “Dancing with Sharks”. The first featured showcase performances by the Over 50s dance class and ballroom dancers Helen and Michael Milford. Dance tutor Steve Hicks led a beginners jive class and the Seaboard Hall Cafe provided a wonderful afternoon tea.
Following the event, we had a feedback meeting with some of the Over 50s dance class members who participated in the Tea Dance. You can listen to their thoughts and suggestions for the next Tea Dance – lots of good ideas!
The second event was co=hosted by Isabella Dance and the Seaboard Over 60, who suggested a ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ theme with a dressing up box full of fabulous sequins, top hats and feather boas to get everyone in the mood. It was definitely a hit!
The event kicked off with live music from Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers, playing a mix of Scottish Traditional Music, while everyone enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea served by volunteers from the Royal Voluntary Service. This was followed up by a seated dance demo led by Julia from Isabella Dance. Everyone had the chance to dance – joining in at their tables with a variety of easy exercises designed to loosen the joints and get the circulation going. It was a great opportunity to share what goes on at the Over 50s dance class and current participants took to the floor to demonstrate some of the routines that they have learned in class. And as well as live music and dance we also had some wonderful live singing by Rae Jack who brought a little bit of ‘Chicago’ to Balintore.
The Boogie in Balintore Tea Dance Extravaganza was part of Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing festival. Luminate is an annual festival that takes place across the length and breadth of Scotland each October, offering the chance to celebrate creativity, share stories and to explore what ageing means to all of us.
