The day is crisp; everyone breathes out little puffs of warm air on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri Nation. Even though the sun shines brightly, the blue sky holds no warmth. This is the scene in rural western NSW in the middle of winter, where the fun of training persists regardless of the chill.
Wrapped up in scarves and jumpers, each trainee steps into the breezy hall with high ceilings and heaters from the 1960s. This group comprises community nurses, Aboriginal health workers, Ots, and aged care diversional therapists, and none of them have any kind of dance experience. However, as they immerse themselves in the first day of the DanceWise DanceMoves training, layers start to peel off, revealing their readiness and eagerness to learn.
DanceWise and DanceMoves are Dance Health Alliance initiatives designed to be accessible to all allied healthcare professionals. The alliance's extensive training programme is open to everyone, regardless of their dance experience. The alliance's motto is that everyone is a dancer, regardless of age or ability. Its superpower is the ability to comprehensively train non-dancers in just two days to get people moving.
"Dance is such a powerful tool on so many levels," says Gwen Korebrits, CEO of Dance Health Alliance. "Not only do you have the music aspect of memory and cognitive activation, but you also have the physical component—balance, strength, fall prevention. Then, there is the social exposure. And last but by no means least, there is the opportunity to express themselves creatively, safely.”
Dance Health Alliance is a not-for-profit organisation supporting the needs of allied healthcare professionals throughout Australia for the past eight years. The programmes, initially founded in the Netherlands, were introduced to the Australian community by Gwen Korebrits in 2016. The alliance will send trainers to rural hubs, most recently working with Western NSW Health from a central point in Orange and training staff to take the programmes as far as Lightning Ridge, Forbes, Canowindra and Eugowra.
Why dance? Well, it has many health benefits that contribute significantly to the overall well-being of older adults.
Engaging in dance research-based activities like DanceWise or DanceMoves improves cardiovascular health, increases heart rate, and promotes better circulation. It maintains joint mobility and muscle flexibility. Dance is known to alleviate stress and improve mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
One of the standout features of the DanceWise and DanceMoves programme is its social component helping to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that many older adults face.
A spokesperson from Western NSW Local Health District says, “The team from Dance Health Alliance, Australia, in partnership with Western NSW Local Health District Health Promotion, delivered training for staff in January and July 2024. The training was not only led with a passion for inclusivity and aging well but was evidence-based, holistic, fun and flexible. Staff commented that it was “one of the best programmes we have attended”. Likewise, programmes are starting around our rural and remote regions of Western NSW, with participants thus far commenting that “it leaves us smiling”, with regular social engagements spanning beyond the weeks of the programme. Participants have also reported teaching moves, songs and choreography to their grandchildren – dancing at home – valuing the importance of sustained exercise.
In this unique training environment, the transformative power of dance becomes obtainable to the non-dancer. Dance Health Alliance brings tangible tools and resources through an extensive movement and music library, with continued professional development. The training programme continues to inspire and equip healthcare professionals, ensuring that the benefits of dance reach those who need it most in remote and rural areas.
dancehealthalliance.org.au
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