Belly Dancers: appropriate entertainment for LTC residents?

[Born2BWild]

We like to try to offer the residents variety as far as entertainment goes. We've had musical acts, movie days, bingo, church (and more church), reminiscing days, scrapbook days, pie days...I belly dance as a hobby and am wondering if it would be a good idea to suggest that my troup come and perform? I think it would be neat to lay some oriental rugs on the floor to dance on. It seems like the colorful costumes and music and dancing could be stimulating for the old folks. I haven't brought the idea up because I wouldn't want to be embarrassed if someone didn't think the sensual costumes and moves would be "appropriate." Though, in spite of cartoons of snowmen and big paper snowflakes decorating the halls these are adults, after all.

Good idea? Or too "hoochie coochie" for the older crowd?

[Taffey]

Good idea. Sounds fun and if you feel that it is too much maybe you can alter ther routine and costumes.

[nygirl1986]

I think it would be hilarious, plus something different that I'm sure most of them have never done before. I say go for it. A lot of older people are a little more open minded than we give um credit for!

[SNjamie]

have them participate!

[Moogie]

Depending on your resident population, this could be a good idea---or not. I think you need to take into consideration what your residents are like---you said in your post that there are many activities revolving around church---maybe too many church-related activities. What do you see in attendance to such events? Do the residents seem to enjoy them or do they express a desire for a little more variety?

I applaud you for your creativity (and agility---I understand belly dancing is an excellent exercise as well as an art form!) but do tread carefully. It may not go over real well with residents who might find the show of skin to be inappropriate, especially if one of their staff members is a performer. It also might be a bit overstimulating for those who are prone to sexual acting out and, if one of those residents realizes that a staff member is also a performer, it could lead you into some dicey situations. Depending on how the performance is perceived by the residents, you could risk losing your professional credibility if they see you, not as a nurse, but as the cute belly-dancer chick.

I would also be concerned that some of the more conservative folks (I don't mean politics---I mean the people who think Lawrence Welk should tone it down) might be offended and you could inadvertently violate their dignity.

Check with your activities coordinator about this idea to see if it could be appropriate for your LTC population. It might be fine where you are but then again, it might not. When I worked LTC, I think some of the residents would have been extremely offended while others would have enjoyed it in the spirit of a celebration of art, music and movement, while others would have enjoyed it WAAAAAY too much.

[Zookeeper3]

I briefly worked as an activities coordinator, but more importantly have a mom who is 83 and says she still feels like 18 !!!!!!

There are many "older folks", who are ready to move their arms, tap their feet and shake their booties because they are still a teenager in their minds.

bring it on and keep'em moving.

[ShelbyP]

I would tout the history and culture of belly dancing, both when presenting the idea to staff and also before performing for the residents. That way, if there's any confusion, you have, literally, centuries backing you up that your dance and costumes are artistic expression.

Good luck and have fun!

[Moogie]

I briefly worked as an activities coordinator, but more importantly have a mom who is 83 and says she still feels like 18 !!!!!!

There are many "older folks", who are ready to move their arms, tap their feet and shake their booties because they are still a teenager in their minds.

bring it on and keep'em moving.

This makes me soooooo afraid of what you Gen X and Millenial nurses are going to see when the Baby Boomers start becoming the average population for nursing homes. We may insist on listening to the Stones, the Beatles, Madonna and, yes, ABBA and, instead of Lawrence Welk, we'll want our MTV (the REAL MTV that used to show videos and not this reality show garbage!)

It frightens me to think of myself as a 90-something geezette, belting out "Like a Virgin" on the nursing home's karaoke night. Scary, scary thoughts! But you youngsters had better be prepared! As the Baby Boomers age, anything could happen.

BTW, Zookeeper3, I always thought it would be fun to be an activities coordinator. One of my friends did it for several years and loved it. She was creative and wacky and had a lot of fun with her job.

[Cthulhu]

We have had Belly dancers for activities at the LTC I work at. It was very modest, G rated.

[PaperPencil]

I don't work in a LTC facility, but remembering back to my required Nurse's Aide class... I'd be careful of floor rungs. Sounds like a fall waiting to happen. Other than that, sounds like a great idea!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I agree with previous posters - i think it's a great idea. Perhaps may want to add a sash to costumes if they may be viewed as a bit to risque. These people were all young once - don't let that spark in them die out. Go ahead and shake things up (no pun intended!).

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with Moogie. It could be a good idea -- but you should do some "asking around" first to be sure that it is appropriate within the culture of your group. Also, you might want to consider wearing the most conservative costumes possible so as not to offend anyone who would be offended by lots of skin. I'd also recommend publicizing the event well in advance so that people who might want to stay away could stay away.

Finally, you might want to act as MC rather than appear in costume and dance yourself -- if there is a chance that some residents would disapprove. It might compromise your professional relationship with some people if they were to disapprove of your hobby and/or start seeing you more as a sexy belly-dancer than as a professional nurse.

So ... ask around ... assess the culture ... before you tak action. Base your actions on your assessment findings -- but be cautious about risking your professional image. If handled well, it could be a fun event. But handled badly, it could blow up really bad.