New York City Ballet dancers Indiana Woodward and Harrison Coll performing at 305 West End Assisted Living. Photo courtesy of 305 West End Assisted Living
New York City Ballet soloist Harrison Coll and principal dancer Indiana Woodward, currently appearing in The New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” performed for residents living with Alzheimer’s and dementia at 305 West End Assisted Living.
A 305 West End Assisted Living dance and movement specialist used themes from “The Nutcracker” in programming for the residents of Reflections, 305 West End’s memory care program. Residents were immersed in the ballet – first reading the story, then watching it on YouTube and reminiscing about past performances they had attended with their families. They also had the opportunity to incorporate some of the motions and gestures from the ballet in their dance and movement class, an important way to engage residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Specific types of therapies, such as music and creative arts programs, have been shown beneficial to improving the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Because of its location in the city, 305 West End has been able to partner with some of the area’s leading cultural institutions to offer continuing education programs for residents living with memory loss.