Hip hop class boosts residents’ strength and confidence

Our activities team offer a varied programme catering for all hobbies and interests. They also encourage new experiences for their residents, including the monthly class that uses hip hop music and movement to add energy, personality, and rhythm to the resident’s seated exercises.

Gerald Hilary, aged 85, made The Spinney his home last year. The retired dressmaker enjoys the social activities and always looks forward to the hip hop class. He said: “I’m an avid music listener and love the songs that Charlie plays, the class is very energetic and gets me moving!”

Fellow resident Paul Snow, aged 72, said: “The moves are easy to follow and it’s a lot of fun. I love Charlie’s bubbly personality.”

Hazel Welch, aged 76, said: “I love dancing and I love the classes, they are fun and uplifting.”

The classes are delivered by Charlie Blair of The Blair Academy, who created the hip hop class as a way to liven up the seated exercises aimed at older people.

“I wanted to challenge the idea that movement for older people has to be traditional,” explained Charlie.

“My nan attended a dance class for older people living with cancer but found it quite boring. It inspired me to develop a fun chair based hip hop programme to keep her healthy and happy.

“Hip hop brings energy, personality, rhythm, and joy and I saw an opportunity to use that in a way that feels fresh, inclusive and empowering. Many residents are intrigued at first because hip hop is not what they expect – and that’s part of the magic!

“Hip hop has a strong beat and sense of confidence that people really respond to, even if they’ve never tried anything like it before. There’s something really uplifting about doing something fun and expressive.

“At The Spinney we created a positive atmosphere very quickly and the residents have been really engaged.

“I’ve seen residents grow in confidence, some who were quiet or hesitant at first have gradually become much more expressive and engaged. I’ve also seen residents become noticeably brighter during class, smiling, laughing and connecting with others. Those moments are incredibly powerful.”

The sessions are designed specifically for older adults and include a gentle warm-up, easy-to-follow seated dance routine, rhythmic movements using different parts of the body, coordination exercises, and moments of self-expression and fun.

“You don’t usually associate exercise for older people with hip hop, so it’s definitely unexpected, but that’s part of its charm and why it works so well,” said Samantha Carey, lifestyle coordinator at The Spinney.

“Charlie’s hip hop class has become a firm favourite with lots of our residents. Her simple choreography encourages our residents to move in a way that feels enjoyable.

“The exercises are designed to be accessible, with clear repetition, simple patterns and options for different ability levels. That means our residents can join in at their own pace and still feel included and engaged.

“Charlie uses uplifting funk, disco, soul and reggae music, which our residents just love.”

The sessions support both physical and emotional wellbeing. They can help with mobility, coordination, circulation, posture and strength. And they boost mood, confidence and social connection.

Lisa Wright, home manager at The Spinney, added: “The classes can be really beneficial for cognitive stimulation, because our residents are following rhythm, remembering patterns and engaging with music.

“Once the music starts, you can see everyone relax, smile and get involved. We regularly see residents laughing, singing along, adding their own flair, and encouraging one another.

“There’s a real sense of achievement afterwards too. The classes create a positive buzz and give residents something different and memorable to experience together.”

The Spinney is located on Forest View in Chingford and offers residential, specialist dementia, and end of life care. We are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and won a Great British Care Award in 2023 for ‘Dignity in Care’.