Ballet brings joy to care home residents

TWINKLE-TOED care home residents tripped the light fantastic after being treated to an exclusive ballet performance – in the comfort of their own lounge.

More than 20 young performers from the Marion Pearce School of Dance, in Newport, transformed Leadon Court Care Home in Cwmbran into a theatre for the afternoon as they showcased their latest production, a collection of scenes from The Nutcracker.

The ballet dancers, who range from three years old up to 17, delivered a visual feast for their elderly audience with their grace and elegant movements and exquisite costumes.

It is the first time the dance school, which has trained a wealth of dance and ballet talent over the years and whose students often go on to study at the Royal Academy of Dance and Royal Ballet School in London, and other professional dance training facilities, has performed in front of an external audience.

And judging from the reception they received from their captivated guests it won’t be the last.

Resident Ann Jones, 88, who grew up in Pontypool and worked in a local toy factory, said: “I wish it had stayed on all night because it was absolutely wonderful but they can’t do it as good as I can mind!

“Words cannot explain how wonderful it was. I did a lot of ballroom dancing myself and I love dancing but I’ve never tried ballet and this is the first time I’ve ever seen ballet being performed.

“All the children were marvellous and very professional. I wish I was as energetic as them.”

Kathleen Perkins, 90, who grew up in Varteg and has one daughter, said: “I really enjoyed watching it. You just sit there and forget all your worries.

“I chatted to the children afterwards and one of them asked me my name. It was a lovely afternoon. I used to go to the London Palladium and it reminded me of those days.”

Jodie Clark, activities coordinator at Leaden Court Care Home, said: “Whenever young people come into the home they seem to bring everybody’s spirits up. We wanted to arrange something that they would enjoy watching.

“Our residents love music and dance. It always surprises me how much of an impact it has on their mood and interaction levels. They enjoy it so much and it is especially beneficial for our residents living with dementia.

“There are different levels of communication among all our residents but music therapy transcends it all, and we always get a very good response. It’s so important to get the entertainment right. I’m so passionate about what I do and my main priority when I come to work is making the residents smile.

“If that doesn’t happen, then I’m not doing my job properly. The ballet certainly got them smiling.”