How Ballet Benefits Seniors: Demaree Crossing’s New Dance Program

The residents of Demaree Crossing, a senior living community in Greenwood, Indiana, began learning ballet with Roberta Wong and the new non-profit organization, Dance Every Journey. The class has been all the buzz in the senior living community and has had many benefits to the residents. WRTV Indianapolis stopped by to see the class in action!

According to a study published by Frontiers in Psychology, ballet and other forms of dance help seniors improve balance, mobility, cognitive function, and social interaction. The residents at Demaree Crossing senior living loved Dance Every Journey’s ballet class so much, it’s been added as a regular event – taking place at the senior living community multiple times each month.

Ballet is a classical form of dance known for its precision, grace, and formalized movements. Originating in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, it was later popularized in France under King Louis XIV. 

Ballet involves a full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups. It strengthens the legs, core, arms, and back while improving flexibility, posture, and balance. The repetitive nature of ballet’s movements, such as pliés and arabesques, helps tone the muscles and enhances cardiovascular endurance. Ballet is not only a demanding physical activity but also an artistic expression, blending movement with music and storytelling.

According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dance can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance overall quality of life for seniors, making it a highly beneficial activity both mentally and physically.

When asking Experience Senior Living President Phill Barklow about the ballet program at Demaree Crossing, he stated that “Music touches people at every age and every walk of life, so to be able to combine the passion of music and dance with getting residents more active, it’s a dream come true.”

Dance Every Journey’s ballet class for seniors at Demaree Crossing senior living isn’t the only fun and beneficial activity at the community. With daily activities and physical exercise programs offered multiple times a week, the seniors at Demaree Crossing have been staying active and happy.

If you or a loved one is seeking a senior living community with endless activities and a fun, supportive environment, Demaree Crossing is the place to be. For more information on the senior living community in Greenwood, Indiana, give the team a call at 317-318-8507 or fill out a form on our contact page.