Senior Citizen Swing Dance

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Welcome to Swingin' Syracuse

Senior Citizen "Big Band" Swing Dance Parties
a program for seniors in residential care
–– our most special, special event ––

Through this program, Lynn Miller, a Professional Swing Dance Teacher and Social Worker, along with adult and youth volunteer dancer/helpers, bring "Swing" ~ Swing Music and Swing Dance ~ back to the generation who invented it in the 20's, 30's & 40's.

<see a detailed a description of the program>

Senior Big Band Swing Events
volunteer dancer/helpers needed

Thurs April 10^th
Alterra Wynwood100 Flume Rd
Manlius, NY
<go to map>

Sat June 14^th
Alterra Summerfield
100 Summerfield Village Lane
Syracuse, NY 13215
<go to map>

Sat July 19^thGreenpoint Senior Center
138 Old Liverpool Rd,
LIVERPOOL, NY
<go to map>

Albums

Oswego

Manlius

Volunteer Dancer/Helpers Needed		471-1289 for details and to volunteer
	We need a few volunteer "dancer-helpers" willing to spend a little time engaging senior citizens in friendly conversation and "dancing" with them any way that they are able. The seniors love the music, they love the contact and they love the dancing. (We do get them dancing). You don’t have to be a great dancer yourself, just willing to spend a little time with some folks who "Don't Get Around Much Any More"
~ A big thank you to our many volunteers without you this program would not be possible ~

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Senior Citizen "Big Band" Swing Dance Parties
–– our most special, special event ––

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Moving whatever you can
Always respectful of physical limitations, volunteers work hard to get a senior's direct participation, encouraging them to "dance" in any way they can. Often the "dancing" is limited to simply holding hands with a volunteer and keeping time with the music. A surprising number are willing (if not "determined"), to get on their feet and "cut a rug". It's not at all unusual for seniors literally, to get up from their wheel chairs to dance during these dance parties.

Success
	"Senior Citizen Swing Dance Parties" have been done successfully across a full range of senior care programs, up to and including "health related" and "Long Term Care" facilities". At whatever level of participation, the seniors and their families love the music (even singing along at times, to music familiar to them).............and they do love watching us dance.
The real reason we do this . . . . . . .
	Inevitably, once everyone gets "warmed up" a bit, the seniors begin sharing memories––they talk to us about their lives, how they used to dance and what it was like for them. Once in a while, they'll even "turn the tables" on us and begin teaching dance steps to us themselves. It's hard to find words to describe what a thrill it is when that happens. It is an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved.

A Favorable Review:

"The residents have opened up to this group in a very extraordinary way through the emotional memories, movements and music of their era. They are getting up and remembering the steps when some cannot remember their daughter's names. They are singing and laughing and 'buzzing' about the next visit..... "

L. A. W., Adult Home Administrator

	Community Support for Senior Citizen Big Band Swing
	We thank the following organizations for their generous past support.
	2004 Performance Pontiac GMC http://www.performancecarsusa.com/ 2001/2002 Oswego County Arts Council 2002 City of Oswego
	We need financial support for 2008. Help us continue to bring this program to deserving Seniors. Please call us at 315 471-1289 to discuss ways you can help.