The Orchard Centre. Ballroom/Sequence Dance Class

Description

We started this group in 2018 from nothing. I am the the manager of the centre and i invited our Dance Teacher Marion to start up Dance Classes in our centre early 2018. We started off with just two or three people and the class grew from that. Today we have over 40 people in the group and they meet twice a week here to take part in their 2hr dance classes. We have held several free community events to attract new people and have recently raised over €1000 to bring young Ukrainian Dancers to Ireland this summer. Our Dance group are now self sufficient and go away each year for a few days to a hotel that has organised Dance events for a week. They book the hotel themselves and transport to and back for all attending. The group maintained contact during Covid restrictions and came back to us once restrictions were eased. Our group meet every Wednesday and Friday for 2 hours of fun dancing.

Aim of Initiative

To get people out of their homes and active while taking part in an activity that they love.

Who is it aimed at

We invite all people over the age of 50.

3 Steps critical to success

1. The Idea of starting classes like this came from the centre manager. The idea was the first step and having a vision for the group.
2. Organise a Dance Teacher for the group who could commit to the group weekly and was a friendly outgoing person who’d make the group inviting for those attending.
3. Set a start date and promote the activity widely in the local community. Arrange the dance teacher’s fees and costs monthly. Once the group started to keep promoting it until it was well established. Continuous promotion of the classes to attract new people.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Funding for the activity
2. Sourcing a dance teacher
3. Attracting people to the group

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Social interaction with like minded people. Making new friends and meeting new people. Helping with mental health and loneliness.
2. Physical health benefits of being active. Less need for doctors visits etc.
3. Activities many of the people take part in outside of their dance group. Many of the group now meet outside of the dancing group and do other activities apart from the dancing.