There are so many benefits of watching young people perform in care homes, and our residents loved seeing the dancers. Our home manager, Kelly, arranged the event and her daughter is a student at MAD and was part of the troupe that came to the home.

Established in September 2013, MAD provides high quality Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre Training for children aged 3+. Every two years, the school puts on a show at the 

Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, and Kelly was inspired to raise funds for them to contribute towards costumes and other costs associated with putting on a show of that size. She was sponsored by friends, family, and colleagues to run 150km in March, running around her full time job and other commitments. Kelly did it, and she raised over £500!

Kelly said: “I have witnessed the confidence of my daughters blossom, and watched the pride on their faces with each of their achievements through opportunities provided by MAD, so I wanted to do something to support them with this show.

“MAD brought some of their amazing dancers to Coombe End Court in return, and we really enjoyed seeing how talented they are. Having young people in our home is also such a boost for our residents, too.”

At the heart of any community lies the beauty of intergenerational connection, and at Coombe End Court care home in Marlborough, we’re really keen to foster relationships with our younger neighbours. One such initiative is our collaboration with Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama. When young dancers visit care homes to perform, they bring lots of joy, not to mention the health benefits, and emotional enrichment for our residents.

Youthful energy has a remarkable impact on the emotional wellbeing of care home residents, and ours are no exception. Having young performers in our home brings a sense of excitement and anticipation, with the lively music and enthusiastic dance moves sparking memories, and a sense of nostalgia and connection to their past. Some remember dancing themselves, or watching their friends, children or grandchildren perform.

Social interaction is another significant benefit. Performances provide a unique opportunity for residents to engage with young people, fostering meaningful intergenerational relationships. These interactions can lead to conversations, shared stories, and even friendships, enriching the lives of both the dancers and the residents. The mutual exchange of experiences and perspectives bridges generational gaps and nurtures a sense of community.

Although our residents were spectating this time, the physical benefits of this sort of performance for residents should not be overlooked; watching a live performance stimulates mental activity, and in some cases, moving with the rhythm or clapping to the beat. The combination of music and movement can also enhance cognitive function, providing a therapeutic effect that supports mental health.

Lastly, the sense of purpose and engagement that comes from hosting performances boosts overall morale within the care home. We love to welcome people to Coombe End Court! The excitement of preparing for a visit, the joy of watching the performance, and the discussions that follow, create a vibrant, dynamic environment that we’re really proud of. This holistic experience contributes significantly to the quality of life for residents.

In conclusion, the collaboration between MAD and Coombe End Court care home in Marlborough is testament to the power of community and the profound impact of the arts.