Civic Hall to stage dementia tea dance

A TEA dance is being hosted for people with dementia and their carers and loved ones today in Leeds’ Civic Hall.

The council and the Alzheimer’s Society are hosting the Tea Dance of Memories with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Jim McKenna opening the event.

The opening will be followed by a buffet lunch and then dancing. There will be live music throughout the afternoon provided by Terry Wadkin, and prizes for the best dressed couple, the best dancers and many more.

Dancing is a valuable social activity for people living with dementia. By dancing to music that is familiar to them, people living with dementia are able to experience rich emotional and cognitive reactions making them feel calm and relaxed. Coun McKenna said: “This event is a great opportunity for people suffering with dementia to have fun dancing and spending time with family, friends and carers.”

Lisa McAvan, of the Leeds Alzheimer’s Society said: “The Tea Dance of Memories is the first of its type to be organised and funded by Leeds City Council and the Leeds Alzheimer's Society. It has been an ambitious project that we have jointly undertaken.’’