May I have this dance
For 12 weeks, a group of Grade 3 students entertained seniors — and formed bonds in the process
From his wheelchair, Ernie greets each young dancer with a kiss on the hand, sometimes a hug. The highlight of his week is when they come, to dance, to chat, just to be a part of his life for a brief time.
The girls are Grade 3 students from Godson elementary school, the seniors are residents of Worthington Cottage in Abbotsford, the program is In the Company of Elders.
“We’re trying to build relationships between the generations,” said professional dancer Lee Kwidzinski, who started the program with Carol Oberg five years ago in Mission. “The girls bring so much joy to the residents and they’re getting all this love when they come here. I just love it.”
The 12- week program just wrapped up with a year- end recital and party at the Abbotsford care home, where the six young dancers — Gabby, Summer, Mercy, Brylee, Georgia and Emily — performed for and with the residents in lively ballet, modern dance, exercises with the seniors, and even a bit of ballroom dance.
One resident, Lionel, got up and slowly walked to the dance floor with his young partner, a chance to take a few steps to the music and with a bit of flair, spin her under his arm.
For many residents, the day the girls come to Worthington is the highlight of their week. But it’s been an invaluable experience for the girls, too.
“The first day they were scared of everything,” said Betty Rennie, youth and child care worker at Godson elementary. “At the end, they’re hugging ( the residents ) and loving every minute of it and they want to go back.”
Some of the girls and seniors have become pen pals.