It was a connection through movement.
The Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizen’s Association hosted the Dance and Move for Connection performance on June 11 at the Panorama Hills Community Center to showcase dance performances to connect with neighbors of diverse cultures and ages.
According to Senior Program Team Manager at CCECA, Sam Wong, the dance is a celebratory performance for Seniors’ Week which ran from June 6-12 this year.
“Dance is connection. We believe that dancing connects us to old people and also brings them an emotional, happy and positive feeling,” Wong said.
The activity, which is one of two events organized by the CCECA, is made up of 30 participants aged over 65.
“It’s a multicultural community. It’s really important to learn about other ethnic cultures; how they are, what they do and also enjoy sharing interests,” said Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon.
Traditional dances performed by seniors
The dance performed by the participants today was a traditional Chinese dance specific to the elderly.
“What we do is praise dance, which means we praise and pray for the elder to be good and everyone to be very happy,” Wong said.
“Seniors are more amazing than you think. They are more active and energetic, and they can also learn something new.
Pon opened the event with a few words of praise for the good work that was done in organizing the Dance and Move for Connection performance.
“This association has done so many good things. They have hundreds of program services offered especially to Chinese elders, and that is very important because they are one of the different ethnic groups that often have language barriers,” Pon said.
According to Pon, this week is special for all seniors, as it shows their appreciation for the contributions they have made over the years to society. Pon said the contributions of the Chinese community, in particular, are important because some of those elders helped build Canada.
“It is a special day for seniors. It is very important to recognize the contribution of seniors to Alberta. It is grateful to see that all seniors are healthy, finally after the two years of isolation and containment,” Pon said.
Photos from the dance performance
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