Add your comments
News RSS feedNews
15 Feb 08Strictly Tea Dancing!
The tradition of the afternoon tea dance is being successfully revived in Poole for a project aimed at keeping the town’s older generation fit and active.
New tea dance events held at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, are proving a real hit with residents who want to take a quick turn on the dance-floor to their favourite old-time tunes, performed by musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s 
outreach programme.
A romantically theme event on Valentine’s Day was a sell-out and organisers are already looking for a larger venue for future dances.
The tea dances are funded by Borough of Poole’s Arts Development Unit, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Education and Community Department and Lighthouse.
The aim of the tea dances is to encourage older people to keep physically and socially active and to promote the benefits of social dancing. People are encouraged to come along, whatever their level of mobility or experience.
Anna Shiels, Arts Programme Manager for Adult Social Care and Well-being, Borough of Poole, said: “Tea dances are a great way to make friends and meet new people, keep fit and have fun while listening to some of their favourite old-time tunes performed by excellent musicians. People are welcome to come along without a dance partner. They can enjoy a cup of tea, chat with friends and listen to some fabulous live music.
“We have been delivering tea dances with the BSO for a few years. In the past, we have taken them to day centres and residential homes. With this new approach, we hope to reach isolated older people who could benefit from getting out and meeting new people, as well as encouraging older people to keep active and promote well-being.”
Linda Higson, Education and Community Coordinator for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “Its just a joy to see the older members of Poole enjoying themselves and meeting with and making new friends. Live music and dance makes a difference to so many lives. Its a great way to keep mentally and physically fit.”
The first tea dance was held at Lighthouse in December and proved so popular the Valentine’s Day event quickly sold out. However, people eager to take a twirl on the dance-floor need not be disappointed. More tea dances are planned for this year and organisers are already considering a larger venue within Lighthouse.
Councillor Elaine Atkinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Well-being, said: “This is an excellent example of Borough of Poole working in partnership with our local arts organisations to enable more people to enjoy live music. Music and dancing is a marvellous way to relax and unwind this is a great opportunity for older people to keep active.”
Directgov