“When I dance, I forget everything”
- Music and body movement provide physical and emotional wellbeing and foster inclusion
- The dance, body expression and percussion workshops run as part of the On the Move, to the Rhythm of Percussion programme offer Numancia Community Rehabilitation Service users a venue to communicate, forge bonds and enhance their self-esteem
- The activities are run in partnership with the Xamfrà music school, an organisation which strives to bring the arts to vulnerable individuals and groups
The weekly sessions at the Xamfrà school are a chance to switch off from everyday worries, focus on the here and now and break out of routines. Music and movement furnish a welcoming space in which people can express themselves freely and share an activity together.
“When I dance, I forget everything," says one of the Community Rehabilitation Service users. "Here, we’re just listening to the music that’s playing. You're in another world." The exercises, tailored to each person’s abilities, improve coordination, body awareness and emotional expression. Mistakes often become moments of camaraderie and laughter which strengthen the group’s cohesion.
Companionship and a sense of belonging are also some of the aspects most highly rated by the participants. Sharing experiences, supporting one another and being part of a joint project helps to build a network of constructive relationships which, in many cases, extend beyond the sessions. “We're here together and we help each other,” they point out.
Another way to express yourself
Percussion, one of the longest-running activities in the programme, develops physical, cognitive and emotional skills. Rhythm, coordination and active listening stimulate attention, concentration and memory while also fostering the connection between body and mind.
Performing a piece of music together calls for listening to other people, maintaining a shared beat and coordinating movements with the rest of the group. This collaborative work also builds trust, cooperation and a sense of belonging.
The On the Move, to the Rhythm of Percussion programme at Parc Sanitari SJD is supported by:
