Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 88 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
At South London Cares, we organise two dance related events per month as part of our Social Clubs programme. The first is our Latin and Ballroom club which happens every first Wednesday of the month, 10:30am-12pm, at a venue in between Streatham and West Norwood (it’s 13 mins from Streatham Station by bus). The other takes place at the same venue, but its an evening affair from 6:30-8pm – the content of which changes each month: anything from ceilidhs, to reggae, request nights, salsa, and swing.
First things first: as with all social clubs at SLC, there is absolutely no previous experience required. Social clubs never take the format of professional style classes – instead the emphasis is always on chatting, laughing and giving something new a go. Our Latin & Ballroom club is led by the wonderful Vera the Diva and it's the perfect club for anyone looking for a joyous start to their day. There's 30 minutes of tea, cake and conversation to kick off the morning, followed by an hour of light dancing, with plenty of breaks. And each month sees a mix of regulars and complete newbies getting together to try their feet at a few Spanish steps.
Our evening events are similarly focused on fun but are a bit more varied in their content. Whatever your age, having something special to look forward to, and if it’s your thing, dress up for, is an important part of enjoying life and feeling part of a community. That's why we organise all kinds of one-off events like Masked Balls, Burns Night Ceilidhs, Strictly Come Dancing Soirees, Swing Dances and Jukebox Discos (where you get to request all your favourite tunes), so that neighbours like Nolmy, Frances and Joe can feel extra special, as well as socialise. After coming along to her first Swing Dance evening, older neighbour Mary told us: "I've not dressed up and gone out dancing in years - I feel so full of beans!".
Activity focussed events such as dancing clubs are also great for helping those who may initially lack confidence: trying to follow the steps or requesting your favourite song are always great conversation starters. As well as all the social benefits to getting moving, dancing (or trying to!) has all kinds of positive benefits for increasing wellbeing too: it can positively improve mental health, increase mobility, muscle strength and balance. And of course, as with all social clubs, volunteers get as much out of getting their groove on as their older neighbours. As she was leaving a reggae social club last year, 28-year-old Lucy told us: "I left work feeling exhausted but I'm leaving tonight's club (and my older neighbours) feeling invigorated – what a pick me up!".
From February onwards we’ll be running alternate evening dance clubs in South Bermondsey and our usual Streatham venue each month, to make the events as accessible as possible for those living all across Southwark and Lambeth. If you’re a keen musician, or dabble in a bit of dancing yourself and would be up for helping us to facilitate a social club in either of those locations, please get in touch with [email protected]