Belly Dancers: appropriate entertainment for LTC residents?

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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?

Specializes in LTC, Disease Management, smoking Cessati.

The residents will love it! I say go for it!

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The very fact that when I'm 80 years old people will assume all my interests will be pie days, bingo & scrapbooking makes me so sad:crying2:. I have a feeling I'll die of boredom before something with my heart, brain or blood.

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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.

I totally agree with Moogie and LLC. Actually the first thought I had was, "Good Lord, she'll give the old men heart attacks!" lol I kid, of course. Is there anyway that your group might consider wearing tight t-shirts under the costume to cover some skin? In case the belly dancing turns out to be to risque for management to consider, what about reachings out to other groups to volunteer to come in? Clogging and tapdancing are very energetic dancing styles and I am sure that would get the folks moving! OH, and just to add for a support of belly dancing, my 70 year old SUPER conservative (Mormon) mom just finished her belly dancing class at the senior center in a conservative part of the state.

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I think most of my residents would love it! I am not sure about the costumes, but I am sure with a little extra scarfs it would be fine!

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Specializes in geriatrics/long term care.

I am a nurse manager in long term care. How many times have i heard residents and families talk about the activities offered, like, "my mom's not really in to bingo and cookie baking, so i understand why she doesnt participate in activities."

Our patients are aging, not dead. Like the rest of us, they enjoy a good show. Especially something as exotic and new as belly dancing. Thats my personal opinion. I practice in the midwest in a conservative setting, however, so i would first seek the approval of my administrator and nursing supervisors.Also keep in mind the population you serve. I work with mostly cute little old people, no psych population to speak of except dementia. I can see them loving something like that , but i'd worry that you might catch a family member or 2 who'd disapprove. It would be worth it, though, to bring joy to those resident's who'd enjoy it. If your administration will back you, GO FOR IT!

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In case the belly dancing turns out to be to risque for management to consider

Last I checked facilities and mgmt were there for the patients. I'd say go for it.

I imagine our residents would get a kick out of belly dancers. I may just bring it up.

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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!) :D

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.

This is an excellent point. There are administrators and activities directors out there who think that LTC populations still want to hear music from the Naughty Nineties. Sure, they probably know the words, just like adults my age know them -- we covered these "oldies" in school music classes. But other than that, blehhh! The current crop of oldsters don't identify with the Roaring Twenties and were little kids during the Depression. Still, we find activities programs geared toward a population born at the turn of the twentieth century, most of whom have already died out. Let's keep in mind that we are dealing with people who raised their children in the space age, not the horse and buggy age.

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When I'm shufflin' around a LTC (hopefully WAY off in the distance) I hope to goodness that someone has the good sense to schedule LOTS of bellydancers!!!

:up::yeah::up::yeah:

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Specializes in Holistic and Aesthetic Medicine.

I've seen several belly dancing performances. None of them were lewd or inappropriate in any way. I would go observe the belly dancing group before inviting them. I think it sounds like a great activity!

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As a dude, I don't find belly dancing to be scintillating or racy; I find it to be a beautiful celebration of culture. Its an art form like any other version of dance. YES, it CAN be sexy and seductive, but it can also just be a lot of fun.

That being said, however, there are preconceived notions that some may not be able to get over.

Why not have an informal poll of some sort just to get a feel from the residents?

"What would you like for the next activity day, would you like to see a bellydancing performance or X?"

I am aware that not everyone in an LTC facility would be able to respond completely, but just a general idea from those who can would help in making your decision.

For what it's worth my younger sister is in a bellydancing troupe and they performed for the VA recently... the crowd there was almost entirely over 80.

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Specializes in mental health, military nursing.
Though, in spite of cartoons of snowmen and big paper snowflakes decorating the halls these are adults, after all.

Bingo!

I hope that when I'm old, my caretakers don't assume I like plastic canvas needlework, "clean jokes," and TV gameshows as "fun time."

As long as attendance is not mandatory, you should absolutely schedule a performance!

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

They are over 21:rolleyes:

I am sure they'd have a blast, as for the scarves...why? Underwear ads show more in any magazine. I think it's great and hope someone is thinking like that when I am older...

M

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