Circle Dance in Dementia

Circle  Dance Training aims to enable staff to provide their own movement and  music sessions for their service users. It offers the opportunity for a  shared activity with partners, relatives and carers. It can be used in  residential and day settings, assessment units, NHS and voluntary  organisation groups with older people, people with learning disability,  mental health conditions, and physical disabilities. It can be offered  at care home social events, and Alzheimer's cafes. The delegate rate includes 20 tracks of specially selected Circle Dance music suitable for standing and seated dance. Also included is a full handout pack containing dance notes and choreography, to accompany the music.

Full details of this course can be found here: https://www.dementiapathfinders.org/circle-dance

Circle  dancing developed from traditional folk dance from around the world.  Music and dances from the circle dance repertoire have been simplified  and adapted for both seated and standing dance. The touch, holding,  swaying, and simple repetitive movements allow the participant to feel  safe within the circle and provides an opportunity for expression and  creativity. The dance also provides an enjoyable form of exercise and  movement.

Training will be delivered by Liv McLennan, who has had a passion for working for people with dementia since her teens,  when her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s-type dementia.  After a music degree and time as an army musician, Liv worked for various charities, including the Alzheimer’s Society, developing  projects mainly based around peer support and groupwork.  Liv then completed the renowned Certificate in Music Workshop Skills at  Goldsmith’s College, and has been self-employed as a community musician,  working with different groups. The main areas she specialises in are  Early Years, Community Choirs and people with dementia. She is also a trainer in these areas and has run  training sessions for community musicians and care workers in how to  incorporate these techniques into their work.

Liv plays the cello, highland bagpipes and saxophone, and dabbles in ukulele and kantele! In  her spare time, she enjoys Circle Dancing and learning Appalachian Clog  Dancing. She is also on the board of trustees for Sound Sense, the  Professional Association for Community Musicians.