Dancing together to live music: Swingkring
SCHUNCK aims to bring more culture to care and welfare locations through the Swingkring. Sevagram Oranjehof is the first location to host the Swingkring and shows how meaningful dance and music can be for residents.
A year ago, the Swingkring started at Sevagram Oranjehof in Heerlerbaan. Since then, dance instructor Judith Brosky has visited every month. And residents, volunteers and informal caregivers dance together to music. People with dementia also take part and it is precisely during these dance sessions that the most beautiful moments arise. With 25 to 30 participants each time, the Swingkring has now become a regular and much-loved activity.
On Thursday, June 18, the Swingkring was extra special: the string ensemble of SCHUNCK Music & Dance provided live music.
Carola Raven (care worker at Sevagram) and dance instructor Judith Brosky share what the Swingkring means:
“When contact is made between people, it forms the foundation for connection. This is exactly what happens during the Swingkring. This contact and connection through music and dance needs no explanation in words. It arises in that very moment and it is wonderful to see and experience. Sitting, standing, singing along or simply moving fingers - it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t always have to turn into a 'polonaise' to enjoy dance and music. Sometimes, with calmer music, residents withdraw into themselves, only to light up again when they hear the rock & roll sounds of Little Richard or Elvis. It can truly be surprising to see how many people can still dance and move with strength to music that is so familiar to them! The Swingkring is a very valuable and rewarding activity that is enjoyed not only by residents. Care staff and volunteers also happily join in for a dance!”