Sunday, October 28, 2007

Belly dancing for elderly residents

Publisher: Pam Caulfield
Published: 23/10/2007 - 10:13:48 AM

Edenbridge residents were treated to some belly dancing
Edenbridge residents were treated to some belly dancing

A group of older Edenbridge residents experienced some middle eastern delights recently when an expert belly dancer visited them to give them a demonstration of the ancient dance.

The belly dancing session led by experienced belly dancer Lea Smith, took place on Wednesday 3 October at the Edenbridge Centre, and the group enjoyed it so much that they booked a further six sessions in 2008!

Belly dancing is a Middle-Eastern form of dance which can have many benefits such as easing back aches and building self-confidence.

Cllr Felicity Broomby, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for community development, said: "I know the Older Lifestyles Group thoroughly enjoyed this, as it is not everyday you get the chance to take part in something as exciting and different as a belly dancing workshop!

"The group has benefitted from all kinds of activities in the past, such as yoga, drumming and regular exercise classes, but I think this must have been just about the most unusual of the lot, and it goes to prove it is never to late to learn something new!"

The Edenbridge Older Lifestyles Group aims to provide healthy lifestyle information, activities and advice for anyone living in the Edenbridge area over the age of 65.

Due to the success of the group, they have set up their own management committee and have recently gained much needed funds from West Kent Extra and Comic Relief enabling them to continue to enjoy and benefit from sessions such as dancing, craft and the occasional day trip.

The group is totally free and meets every Wednesday at 11.30am in the Edenbridge Centre, Four Elms Road, there is no need to book, you can just turn up on the day.

The group, which has approximately 36 regular members, was set up by Sevenoaks District Council and West Kent Primary Care Trust in partnership with Age Concern in March 2005 following recommendations from the Edenbridge Health Needs Assessment.

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