ParaStars Dance™ for Seniors
ParaStars Dance™ for Seniors is designed to support those of retirement age to exercise at home, with friends or in a residential setting. Options and levels enable participants of varying abilities and mental capacity to take part and build up their fitness and wellbeing. These low impact programmes are designed for participants who favour upper body movement and prefer to exercise seated. For more active elderly participants, some programmes include lower body options.
ParaStars Dance® Seniors provides group participation opportunities via communal lounges in care homes, virtual cafes, residential settings, outreach centres, day centres, rehab clinics and is also designed to support home fitness routines for those who are transitioning back home after a stay in hospital/residential care. This programme can also support Occupational Therapy and home workouts for any senior participants who can safely keep up their exercise at home. Options are given for upper body and lower body dance exercises, with main focus on upper body. For those with Long Term Health Conditions participants must consult a medical professional to ensure it is safe to take part in seated dance lessons with low impact moves and upper body focus.
The programme provides support to service users with a wide range of conditions including:
Early Dementia and related illnesses
Physical disabilities and wheelchair-based exercise
Stroke and other acquired brain injuries
Mental health problems
Learning disabilities
Long term medical conditions
Arthritis and other conditions which affect mobility
Synergy also provides training for anyone wishing to deliver ParaStars Dance Senior sessions in a face to face or online setting. To find out more contact [email protected]
Course Content
Course Instructor
Jessie
Jessie is an experienced Yoga and Movement practitioner and has been teaching for many years, specialising in Inclusive yoga, children's Yoga & Dance, Contemporary and 1920’s Vintage Jazz.
Jessie is super passionate about bringing people together through her love for movement and feels that every day she is so lucky to have a job that she loves. She “feels so blessed to work and teach with the most amazing people.” As a teacher she is fun, open, motivating and imaginative, presenting all with a friendly smile and compassion. Jessie is always aiming to create an environment where everyone feels happy, safe and uplifted.
Jessie loves exercise, being outdoors, exploring, festivals, people and anything sparkly. You can get to know Jessie via our inclusive online dance and yoga programmes and she also teaches for Synergy for British Blind Sport, FND Hope UK and our Sussex branch.
Chrissie
Chrissie has undertaken rigorous training at the RAD gaining a grade of Outstanding in her PGCE: Dance Teaching qualification. She has over five years of teaching experience and has worked with people with ranging abilities, aged from three to sixty-three. Chrissie believes: “dance is innate and that everyone can dance!” It has been her passion since the age of five and she loves creating an inclusive environment to pass that passion on to others.
Chrissie has been with us since the early days at Synergy and was keen to come on board to teach inclusive dance – she’s a natural and will bring smiles, inspiration and an irresistible desire to join in, whatever your age or ability! Chrissie is much adored by many of the children she has taught along the way and has also taken part in inclusive performances with Synergy for community events:
See Chrissie in action here with a young student: “Never Give up on You” at https://vimeo.com/290124811
Vicky
Vicky has been a dancer and choreographer from a young age. She attended The Guildford School of Acting for three years and has since had a varied career in the world of theatre and dance.
As a dance teacher she has worked for various Academies and schools and has spent ten years as Head of Performing Arts at a school in Surrey. In theatre, she has worked as director/choreographer and also extensively as a company and stage manager, touring theatres all over the UK.
Vicky is a member of the dance team at Synergy and has enjoyed creating workshops and online content for the Synergy Outreach Creative Dance program. Her favourite thing about teaching dance is having fun with people who love to dance, at any age and any experience, and she loves choreography! Vicky has a friendly teaching style and inspires her students to feel that anything is possible.