If you ever get the privilege to dance in a nursing home, hospital or health facility-do it!

Before I started belly dancing for the elderly I thought it would be a springboard to elsewhere or just good practice. I discovered something else. This wonderful demographic of people caught me off guard.

Here is something completely different from cabaret dancing or for the stage. They taught me what a real audience connection can be. They touched my soul.

The first time I ever walked through the door of Shoreview Nursing Home I got a new perspective on life. Many of the residents have been abandoned by their families. They have had to be institutionalized for years and sometimes the duration of their life. Many are just very ill.

Fran Brivic,recreation director of Shoreview says:
"When a resident is in a nursing home, it is important to recognize that how they spend their free time is of utmost importance to their emotional, cognitive, spiritual, social and physical wellbeing. Most have lost their independence and their lives are filled now with nurses, doctors, pain and illness. Offering enjoyable, meaningful activities is vital to their personal wellbeing. Therapeutic activities is not all about bingo. Rather to create a homelike environment with meaningful, enjoyable leisure activities.

"One activity program that is a sure hit with our residents is the variety belly dance show provided by Esma. Esma, who is viewed by our residents as our beautiful personal belly dancer, has performed for our nursing facility for almost 4 years. Residents are provided with a show like no other. Entertainment that is visual, creative, energetic, artistic and high-spirited. Esma's belly dancing is a rare opportunity for residents to experience an artistic, cultural program while in a nursing home setting. The impact and the joy her show brings to our residents is longlasting. They talk about the show long after the show has ended. Her energy, creativity and spirit lives on in the memory of our residents.

"Most nursing home residents have had to give up much of what was important in their lives. Their home, belongings, independence. It is no wonder that many of them are saddened by their losses. It is to Esma's credit that she can bring smiles, tears, laughter and joy to a group that has experienced great loss and change. I feel honored to present her program here. It is through their thanks and joy that I feel fulfilled, knowing I've added happiness to their lives."
[Fran Brivic,CTRS,recreation director, Shoreview Nursing Facility, Brooklyn, New York]

So how do I get repeatedly hired? One thing I did is create a show called Esma and Friends. It is almost like a middle eastern revue. You can not do the same show twice for the same audience and expect them to be riveted. Guest dancers , singers, drummers, friends, children dancers and even my dogs(!) have been in my shows.

Theresa Ward, CTRS(Certified Theraputic Recreation Specialist) at Manhattanville Healthcare says, "Esma's warm pleasant troupe of dancers brings the aura of their family to our family. It is always a beautiful afternoon filled with fun dancing and a presentation that leaves a lasting memory. The little children added a particularly wonderful dimension. There was a feeling of warmth and family in an institutional environment."

Now, watch the faces of these wonderful people during a belly dance show. Look: their faces transform, there are smiles, clapping, singing, kissing, even crying tears of joy and it is a sight to behold. For that one short hour you have transformed their lives.

Here are some tips that have worked for me:

Lots of audience contact. Maybe this is too simple to say but it is key to your show. Many dancers will dance inward. That can be beautiful but it does not work here. Look at their faces, give them your veil, give them attention. I ask them how they are, right while I'm dancing, or I just say I'm glad to see them. I make them feel special.

Audience participation after your first song. Give out tambourines, shakers, hats, confetti (ask first!) Have at least one song that allows them to come to the center of the room, even if they can't stand. Clap with them, play zils. Walk into your audience and all over the room.

Make sure there is a decent sound system. If not, bring your own. You can buy a portable cd player and put a microphone in front of the speaker...a cost effective solution. The host can speak into it to announce you and you get to use it.

Be prepared to change the program. Have a definite plan but have alternatives. They might not be able to do what you want. Then do something else, and fast. In many ways they are like kids and have a short attention span. Your songs should not be longer than 3-5 minutes. Expect an audience with different health concerns. I have seen individuals from 35 to 105!

Discuss your rate with the recreation director before. All hospitals and institutions have a budget. Decide what you can live with. I work for a charity rate and it is a rate I can live with.

Your costume is important. Pick something colorful, glitzy and sexy is great! Some residents have low vision.

Involve family members and staff.
Try to get food served. Hummus and pita is great for seniors. Or vanilla cake, sugarless ice cream and juice - what's a party without snacks?

My show is NOT about teaching. It is about having fun and joy. Give everyone involved in the show a lineup and explanation special to their part in the show.
Put all music on a master cd!!!!

Here are some quick quotes from guests at and in the show.

My friend and guest dancer Melinda: "This dancing is a gift for the heart. You could hear a pin drop in a room of 100 people."

Layla Mary (a beautiful guest dancer and registered nurse, age - near mine!): "I had such a wonderful time doing Shoreview with Esma!  Seeing the residents react to the music - smiling, clapping, waving their arms - it's just terrific.  They are doing range of motion exercises without even knowing it!  Fabulous!

Samantha (guest dancer, 21 years old): "This dancing is good for my soul."

Norman, my boyfriend (ageless): "Do I have to be DJ/ Spindoctor again?"(yes)

Helene (resident, 95 years old): "I was having a bad day but I'm not anymore!"

David (resident, 89 - passed away since this was written): "I stood up and danced from my wheelchair. My leg didn't hurt in that moment.

Savvy (6 years old): "I liked everyone. They all liked my dancing and me!"

There you have it... my take on Middle Eastern dancing for seniors.
Amar, a teacher of mine, once said to me "Love the audience and they will love you back." I have found this to be true, always.

Esmahan, Esma and Melinda	Esma and Helen (former dancer)
Esma: Father's Day	Leyla and Esma
Esma and residents	Sammy and Esma

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***Esma will be teaching seniors in March at the Lincoln House Outreach NORC (National Occuring Retirement Community.)