Through Indian dance, music & storytelling we addressed the physical and mental well-being of older people in the Huyton, Kirby and Halewood areas of Knowsley.

We started with sessions of dance and live music with existing groups who normally do chair-based exercises. As the group responded, we introduced movements that they found engaging and beneficial. Instead of presenting this as an exercise routine, our movements evolved from ideas arising from the stories. In this way the participants were encouraged to think creatively and to contribute their own suggestions for new movements.

On the final day of each project, the group watched a culturally diverse performance of dance, music and storytelling. The performances included Indian, Chinese, African and contemporary Western dance, and stories from Indian, China, Africa and Ireland.

A training day was organised to familiarise those within the sector with this style of working.

A resourse pack has been prepared, including a specially commissioned music CD (by Chris Davies) and a visual aid of dance movements for limited mobility (by Eimear Kavanagh).

The work was funded by The Knowlsey Partnership and the Community Foundation for Merseyside, and was delivered with support from the I KAN team and Shimi Shimi Shake Shake (from Knowsley Borough Council) and Knowsley PCT.