How does EngAGE change aging? Here’s an example: our Arts & Creativity program goes beyond providing classes and exhibition opportunities in the visual arts; it also includes music and dance.
In 2018, EngAGE brought a dance/drumming workshop to Long Beach Senior Arts Colony. Thanks to a generous grant from The NAMM Foundation and our partnerships with Maha & Company and Percussion of Discussion, a ten-week workshop gave our residents a weekly opportunity to meet with the young dancers and percussionists. You can see their enthusiasm in the video below.
The culminating event held in the theater at LBSAC was standing-room only. The audience was enraptured as our residents shared the stage alongside the young performers. The finale had them dancing, drumming, singing, and smiling as everyone got in the spirit to Move & Groove!
Maha shared her thoughts on this experience: “I cannot even describe how incredible the outcomes were. The concert was above and beyond what the expectations were for the individuals and for the whole group. Other than what the performances represented, it was the positive reactions of the seniors who performed and the audience’s wonderful remarks that confirmed the positive outcomes.”
Heartwarming comments from the senior performers included:
“This was amazing.”
“I never thought I could do this.”
“This helped me get out of my shell.”
“I am so sad this is over.”
“When can we do this again?”
Once again, EngAGE sincerely thanks The NAMM Foundation for this opportunity, and we applaud our residents for their willingness to try something new.
