SILVERSTARS
SILVERSTARS
Normality during covid-19
The project connects research, culture and active aging. It started in 2018 in Bern as an cooperation between Bern University, Konzert Theater Bern and the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation. In 2019 the project received the Silberbär – a national award of the biggest association for seniors in Switzerland. In 2020 the project went online because of covid-19. In 2021 it opens (its ‘virtual’ doors) to more nationalities and becomes dementia-friendly.
But what is the project about?
Older people of different nationalities explore choreography from the current repertoire of Konzert Theater Bern or Zurich Opera Ballet. Seniors meet once per week (in person/online) for 90 minutes. The interactive session is divided into: an introductory 10 minutes of background information about the choreography; 60 minutes of active dance (improvisation, cognitive stimulation, exploring related themes, learning the choreography); 10 minutes of exchange with professionals, artists, experts, students and researchers and 10 minutes social exchange between the older adults. There are also visits to the professional dance company rehearsals. Finally, the explorations and dances developed with the senior group are presented to an invited audience of friends, family and stakeholders. The sessions are conducted in German and English simultaneously – however French and Spanish are also possible teaching languages if required. The research part takes a deeper look at the biopsychosocial impact of dance and its effect on active aging. It is an evidence-based fact that dance has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in general and a targeted impact in the prevention, slowing and management of secondary symptoms of dementia.
In 2021 we offer four option: cycle 1 (online) from January until March (15 sessions of 90 minutes), cycle 2 (online) from April til June (15 sessions of 90 minutes), cycle 3 (hybrid: on line and in person) from July til August (10 sessions) and cycle 4 (in person) dementia-friendly sessions from August til December (20 sessions).
ACTIVE AGING
Background
The project is geared towards active aging and combines social, motor and psychological aspects. The dance project has been running since 2018 in collaboration with the University of Bern and the Bern Concert Theater. Clare Guss-West – Co-Founder & amp; Director of the Dance and Creative Wellness Foundation – leads the project. In 2019 the project received the Pro Senectute Silver Bear. In 2020 the project will go online due to covid-19 and will also reach people outside of Switzerland. The cooperation with the Zurich Opera House will start in 2021 (online / offline). The project will be dementia-friendly.
RESEARCH
Impact
Today it is known and can be proven that dancing as a neurocognitive experience activates several cognitive functions such as perception, emotion, executive function (decision-making), memory and motor skills. In this way, a large number of synapses in the brain are mobilized. This leads to improved cognitive performance at any age. The (2003) study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York shows that dance is the most effective physical activity for staving off brain deterioration and to lower risk of dementia. Cycling, tennis, jogging, … has no effect on mental health as such.
ZYKLUS 1
Jan-Mrz 2021
15 Lektionen (pro Lektion 90 Minuten), die online abgehalten werden. Inhaltlich orientieren sich die 15 Lektionen an der LEONCE UND LENA (Konzert Theater Bern).
Mittwochs 10:00h-11:30h
7 CHF pro Lektion
ZYKLUS 2
Apr-Jun 2021
15 Lektionen (pro Lektion 90 Minuten), die online abgehalten werden. Inhaltlich orientieren sich die 15 Lektionen an der WINTERREISE (Opernhaus Zürich).
Montags 13:30h-15:00h
7 CHF pro Lektion
ZYKLUS 3
Jul-Aug 2021
8 Lektionen (hybrid), die sich vorwiegend auf Exkursionen (bis zu 4h I Opernhaus Zürich, Uni Bern und Konzert Theater Bern) und Trainings beziehen.
Montags 13:30h-15:00h
7 CHF pro Lektion
ZYKLUS 4
Sep-Dez 2021
20 demenzfreundliche Lektionen, die in Zürich (Zentrum) physisch stattfinden und sich voraussichtlich an Angel Atlas (Opernhaus Zürich) orientieren werden.
Montags 13:30h-15:00h
10 CHF pro Lektion
