Run by dance instructor Charlie Blair, the chair-based classes combine hip hop-inspired movement with funk, soul, disco and reggae music to encourage residents to stay active, writes Liedson Moreno Gomes
Residents at a Chingford care home are taking part in hip hop exercise classes designed to improve mobility, coordination and wellbeing.
The monthly sessions are held at The Spinney Care Home in Forest View, which provides residential, dementia and end-of-life care.
Run by dance instructor Charlie Blair, the chair-based classes combine hip hop-inspired movement with funk, soul, disco and reggae music to encourage residents to stay active.
Resident Gerald Hilary, 85, said the sessions were one of his favourite activities at the home.
“I’m an avid music listener and love the songs that Charlie plays,” he said. “The class is very energetic and gets me moving.”
Paul Snow, 72, added: “The moves are easy to follow and it’s a lot of fun. I love Charlie’s bubbly personality.”
The classes were developed by Blair after her grandmother found conventional exercise sessions aimed at older people unengaging.
“I wanted to challenge the idea that movement for older people has to be traditional,” she said.
“Hip hop brings energy, rhythm and joy. Many residents are intrigued at first because it’s not what they expect, but that’s part of the magic.”
According to staff, the sessions have become increasingly popular with residents, helping to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Lifestyle coordinator Samantha Carey said the choreography was designed to be accessible for different ability levels.
“The exercises use clear repetition and simple patterns so residents can join in at their own pace,” she said.
“We’ve seen how much confidence and enjoyment the classes bring.”
Home manager Lisa Wright said the sessions also offered cognitive benefits by encouraging residents to follow rhythms and remember movement patterns.
“Once the music starts, you can see everyone relax, smile and get involved,” she said.
“There’s a real sense of achievement afterwards and residents genuinely look forward to it.”
The Spinney was rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission and won a Great British Care Award for dignity in care in 2023.
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