Dance, Smiles and Togetherness: Dance Hastings Returns to Seaview

At Cardinal Healthcare, we are proud of the enriching activities and community connections that bring joy, creativity, and companionship to our homes. At Seaview Nursing Home in Hastings, residents recently experienced a particularly uplifting day when we welcomed back Dance Hastings, whose visits always spark smiles, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

The return of Dance Hastings has become a highlight for many of our residents. Their sessions combine gentle movement, rhythm, and interaction, perfectly tailored for older adults, including those with limited mobility. It is not simply an activity – it is an experience that encourages togetherness, builds confidence, and creates unforgettable memories.

The Joy of Dance in Care Homes

Dance is often thought of as something for the stage, but in fact, it has an incredibly powerful place in care homes. It stimulates the body and mind, helping residents to stay active, engaged, and uplifted. The sessions delivered by Dance Hastings focus on gentle movements, rhythmic exercises, and music that resonates with residents’ own life experiences.

Residents who may not normally join in physical activities often find themselves swaying, clapping, or tapping their feet to the beat. Even small movements bring great benefits, supporting circulation, coordination, and flexibility. Importantly, dance also lifts the spirit – it provides a sense of freedom, joy, and expression that words alone cannot capture.

Smiles All Around

When Dance Hastings returned to Seaview, the atmosphere was truly special. Our lounge was filled with laughter, music, and positive energy as residents, staff, and family members joined in. Many residents commented afterwards on how uplifting it was, with one resident saying, “It felt like being young again – the music brought back so many memories.”

The session wasn’t only about movement. Dance Hastings’ team created a warm, inclusive environment where everyone felt involved. Residents clapped along, joined in simple dance routines, and even took turns sharing their favourite moves. The joy was infectious – staff and visitors couldn’t help but join in too.

Music, Memories and Connection

One of the most powerful aspects of Dance Hastings is their use of music. Songs from different eras filled the room, evoking fond memories and sparking conversations. Residents reminisced about their younger years, their favourite dances, and special occasions when music played an important role in their lives.

For those living with dementia, the connection to music was particularly moving. Music has long been known to support memory recall, and we witnessed residents lighting up when familiar songs began to play. The rhythm and melody helped them feel present, joyful, and connected to others around them.

The Role of Staff and Family

The success of the event was also thanks to the enthusiastic involvement of our staff and family members. Our care team always encourages residents to participate in activities at their own pace, whether that means standing, sitting, or simply listening and enjoying the atmosphere. Families who joined the session expressed how lovely it was to share in the experience, describing it as “a beautiful way to spend time together.”

Our staff also deserve special recognition for creating such a supportive environment. By joining in the dancing and laughter, they helped to break down barriers, showing residents that these sessions are for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

More Than Just Dance

The visit from Dance Hastings was not just an enjoyable afternoon – it reflected what we strive for every day at Cardinal Healthcare: a home where residents feel valued, supported, and connected to their community.

By inviting groups like Dance Hastings, we help to bring the wider world into our home. These events foster a sense of belonging and community spirit, reminding our residents that they remain part of the vibrant cultural life of Hastings. It also provides opportunities for intergenerational connection, as younger performers and facilitators share their energy and creativity with older generations.

A Tradition of Enrichment at Seaview

At Seaview Nursing Home, activities are a vital part of daily life. We believe that meaningful experiences – whether creative, social, or physical – play a crucial role in supporting overall wellbeing.

From art workshops and music sessions to visiting entertainers and themed parties, we ensure there is always something engaging for residents to look forward to. The return of Dance Hastings is part of this commitment to offering diverse, stimulating activities that reflect our residents’ interests and needs.

Looking Ahead

Following the success of this visit, we are already looking forward to welcoming Dance Hastings again in the near future. The feedback from residents and families has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is clear that these sessions bring immense joy and therapeutic value.

We are proud to partner with local organisations that share our values of compassion, inclusion, and creativity. Each event reminds us of the power of community and the simple joys that can make such a difference in daily life.

Gratitude and Thanks

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the Dance Hastings team for their dedication and talent, and for bringing so much happiness to our residents. Their commitment to accessible, inclusive dance is truly inspiring, and we feel privileged to welcome them into our home.

We also wish to thank our residents, families, and staff, whose enthusiasm and support made the event such a success. Together, we created a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories – a perfect example of the warm and welcoming environment we are so proud of at Seaview Nursing Home.

Conclusion

The return of Dance Hastings to Seaview Nursing Home was more than just an afternoon of dancing – it was a celebration of life, community, and connection. It reminded us all of the importance of music, movement, and shared joy in bringing people together.

At Cardinal Healthcare, we believe in creating homes for life, where residents feel comfortable, cared for, and enriched every day. Events like this are a reflection of that mission – ensuring that every resident not only receives the highest quality of care, but also experiences moments of happiness, creativity, and love.

As one resident beautifully summed up the day: “We didn’t just dance with our feet – we danced with our hearts.”