Visiting artist talks about dance and the older adult

Staff and guests at Baycrest explored new ways of moving and dancing at a workshop and panel presentation with visiting artist Bisakha Sarker. Sarker (second from right) is a dancer and choreographer and the artistic director of Chaturangan, a Liverpool, UK-based company that has delivered innovative community and educational arts projects on South Asian dance. One focus for the company is programs that promote the health and well-being of seniors through dance and movement.

During her day at Baycrest, Sarker also facilitated a session for clients. “We talked about the idea of creative movement of the body as a means of self-expression and created an environment where clients could feel comfortable moving in ways they may not normally allow themselves to move,” says Andreah Barker (far left), dance and movement therapist who leads two Movement for Health groups at the Terraces of Baycrest Retirement Residence and the Joseph E. and Minnie Wagman Centre. “Dance and dance-movement therapy can offer many benefits to older adults. This session was a great opportunity to share knowledge with experts who are taking new and innovative approaches in the field,“ she says.

At the Terraces of Baycrest Retirement Residence, residents benefit from numerous daily fitness and recreation programs. All of the fitness programs and most of the recreation programs have a brain health focus. Many of the programs also have a strong arts focus including programs such as dancing, drama, creative writing, theatre group, and music programs.