Seniors Dancing for Joy

Teaching artist Chelsea Acree leads a class at Forrestal Friendship House as part of the free Compass Arts program “Rise Up, Dance On! A Class for Older Adults.” Photo: Flynn Larsen

OCTOBER 15, 2022: Something extraordinary is happening at the Forrestal Friendship House: On Tuesday mornings, everyone becomes a dancer. Beacon’s senior citizens have been getting on their feet for the Compass Arts program “Rise Up, Dance On! A Dance Class for Older Adults,” a six-week series of dance and movement classes for people ages 65 and up. Since September, the class has attracted increasing numbers of participants from the community, as well as an appreciative audience who comes for the dancing and live music.

“The program is really phenomenal,” says Thelma, an enthusiastic dancer who attends weekly. “It is manageable because of course we are seniors, so she has designed it in a way that we can really all participate and get the benefits from it. And it’s a lot of fun!”

Led by Compass Arts teaching artist Chelsea Acree (formerly of the Mark Morris Dance Group) and accompanied by musician Andrew Reinhardt on piano and percussion, the hour-long classes include elements of ballet, creative dance, modern and theater dance. The program is designed to be accessible to all levels and abilities, with students beginning each class seated in a chair, then progressing to standing and moving across the floor.

Participants in the Compass Arts Program “Rise Up, Dance On! A Dance Class for Older Adults” perform dance routines designed to offer exercise and entertainment for adults 65 and older. Photo: Flynn Larsen

“When Chelsea came we didn’t know what to expect, and I thought to myself, An hour! I don’t know if these guys have an hour in them,” says Manuela Anaya, the site manager for Forrestal Friendship House (which is operated by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging). “But I am shocked. I watch them, they love it, they’re happy. They’re feeling more mobile during the week afterwards. The one day a week is such a boon for them, and it just gives them energy and vitality.”

Dance yields a plethora of cognitive and health benefits for older adults, including maintained muscular and skeletal strength; improved posture; increased balance and coordination; and relief of mental stressors. For those struggling with memory issues, movement can signal the body’s “muscle memory,” whereby their body remembers music and movement in a remarkable way. It is also an accessible, fun form of exercise, which is especially important for seniors who may spend much of their days sitting down.

“We look forward to coming here Tuesdays to exercise,” says Rosita, another class participant. “It’s so important. Keeps you moving. Things you never knew you could do, you can do!”

Andrew Reinhardt performs live accompaniment for the dancers at Forrestal Friendship House as part of the Compass Arts program “Rise Up, Dance On! A Dance Class for Older Adults.” Photo: Flynn Larsen

“Rise Up, Dance On!” is made possible through a generous grant from Arts Mid-Hudson. While this class ends on Oct. 25, Compass Arts is hoping to continue its collaboration with Forrestal Friendship House as part of the organization’s mission to offer beneficial, accessible arts programming for all ages.

“We’ve wanted to provide programming for seniors for a while now and are so grateful for this grant and the opportunity to pilot this program at the Forrestal Friendship House,” says Compass Arts Founder and Director Gina Samardge. “We’re delighted that the response has been so enthusiastic and are currently seeking funding to continue this program and eventually expand our partnership.”