You don’t need to fit a mold to dance; movement is what matters!
Dancing offers meaningful physical, social, and emotional benefits for people of all abilities. People who regularly dance build strength, balance, and confidence. Inclusive programs allow people of different abilities to dance together.
Every two weeks, a few residents at Gabriel Homes attend a ballet-style dance course at MindShift Gym. The class is for dancers of all experience levels who are looking to rekindle their love of dance or try it for the first time. Residents enjoy the course, saying dance is a fun way to stay active.
Inclusive Choreography
The ballet courses start with stretches before the choreography. Residents joke that stretches aren’t fun, but they avoid sore muscles. The choreography features arm raises, small turns, and leg lifts. Orchestrated versions of hit songs keep the class energized while dancers focus on the slow, steady movement.
“Since the first class, I’m seeing a lot of growth in the residents’ enthusiasm – they get really into dancing!” says Aly (right), an instructor at MindShift. “We start doing one movement at a time, and they feel proud of themselves when they can dance the full routine at the end of class.”
A Weekly Favorite
MindShift is a supportive space where residents feel comfortable trying something new. Many residents at Gabriel Homes have a renewed sense of confidence by committing to a challenging but rewarding routine. With the classes built into their routines, many residents name them a weekly favorite.