Over-60s make the leap to virtual “Feisty Feet” dance classes
Feisty Feet is an over 60s seniors dance class created and facilitated by The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC), which brings together the wisdom keepers of our communities to express and enjoy themselves through dance.
Feisty Feet classes, certified by the Live Stronger for Longer intiative, are held weekly at two Auckland locations in Takapuna and Point Chevalier, but can now also be accessed from anywhere across New Zealand through a weekly Virtual Class.
NZDC tutor Kerry-Ann Stanton, who manages the class in Pt. Chevalier, has been teaching and developing Feisty Feet from its inception in 2016. Kerry-Ann says, “I enjoy bringing the joys of movement to people in their older age. Dance has been shown to have a positive influence on people, such as a reduced risk of dementia, reduced stress and depression, providing increased energy and serotonin. These classes are fun, inclusive of all cultures and are a great way to make new friends.”
Like most activities in 2020, Feisty Feet was affected by COVID-19, but in a positive way. The disappointment regular class-goers expressed about missing their weekly class during lockdown inspired NZDC to move Feisty Feet online. The Company wanted to stay connected with its seniors dance community from the safety of their homes as a means of combatting loneliness during the isolation period and supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
Carlene Newall de Jesus, a community dance advocate, specialist, and lecturer at the University of Auckland is also a core facilitator for Feisty Feet, developing and teaching NZDC’s Takapuna class. She reflects,“The transition to virtual classes was surprisingly smooth. After initially worrying that being together across our screens would be too removed and distanced, it became clear that even in this digital space, physical exploration and connection was still possible. As the virtual classes developed I began to appreciate homes spaces as dancing places and found ways to allow individual contribution even in the digital space.”
Survey feedback from class participants also showcased that the benefits of a Feisty Feet class were not lost when moving to an online class.
One participant shares, “Although I've never attended a dance class before, learning flowing movements and practising coordination, balance and memory and enjoying the friendly faces of other participants and the encouragement of the tutors got me moving and made me feel content in myself.”
Another participant enjoyed the “extra physical movement, using whole body and the associated wellbeing and inspiration and pleasure of communication and meeting new dancers as well as learning new IT skills.”
An additional participant reflected how it was “easy to access, no embarassment as on [your] own and no time lost in transportation”
Carlene encapsulates the intention of Feisty Feet classes and the desire at NZDC to continue to offer the online class alongside in-person classes: “I believe dance offers a unique combination of exercise, creativity, cognition and socialisation that can be beneficial for older bodies, brains and general wellbeing. The digital platform allows older adults who may not have access to appropriate dance classes in their region, or who are unable to travel to classes, a chance to dance, move and express. Aotearoa is made up of more than just large cities and I am excited to see what sense of community can develop across older New Zealanders from diverse towns and regions.”
More Information: nzdc.org.nz/education/feisty-feet
VIRTUAL
WHERE: Online through Zoom
WHEN: Every Friday 9-10am
TUTOR: Carlene Newall de Jesus
COST: $10 per session. Register ahead of class here: https://bit.ly/virtualfeistyfeet
TAKAPUNA
WHERE: St Peters Anglican Church, 11 Killarney Street, Takapuna
WHEN: Every Wednesday 10-11am until 16 December 2020
TUTOR: Carlene Newall de Jesus
COST: $10 per session or $90 for 10 sessions. Pay in person before class with cash.
POINT CHEVALIER
WHERE: Subud Hall, 19 Formby Rd, Pt Chevalier
WHEN: Every Wednesday 11am-noon until 16 December 2020
TUTOR: Kerry-Anny Stanton
COST: $10 per session or $90 for 10 sessions. Pay in person before class with cash.
Photos by Caroline Bindon and Ashley David.