In this 1.5 hour webinar, I have been asked to speak about what dance/movement therapists bring to people living with dementia and their care partners and why it matters. A topic near and dear to my heart.

Every time I present about DMT with people with dementia, I dig a little bit more deeply, discovering and revealing best practices that make this approach highly effective in improving the quality of life for both recipients and facilitators.

It turns out that as we help uplift people living with dementia and recognize their contributions to our lives, we are all uplifted. My community building approach, my focus on co-creation, how I sequence, and lead by following are informative regardless of who you work with. This is an opportunity to dig a little more deeply into our attitudes and approach toward life.

Neuroscience is only now beginning to understand the value of dance, generally, and especially for people with dementia. When offered with sensitivity to the persons present, regardless of ability, dance/movement therapy offers the involvement of the whole person - body, heart, mind, and spirit. And, most importantly, people feel a greater sense of vitality and self-esteem, improving their quality of life.

Time Zones: 5:30 - 7 AM EST, 8:30–10:00 AM PT, 1:30–
3:00 PM BST, 2:30–4:00 PM CEST.

This webinar is very reasonably priced at about $35.

Register for the Post-conference webinar here: https://lnkd.in/e7PRC6dv

Where: Memory Café, The Residence at Bedford, 240 South Road Bedford, MA 01730

When: May 15, 2025, 1:30. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

RSVP not required. For more information about this Memory Cafe, please call Amy at 978-505-3779 or email amy@rightathomecare.com

Please come and enjoy refreshments, sensory-stimulating activities and supportive socializing in a stigma free atmosphere.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: May 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Michaela Calderwood @ mcalderwood@minlib.net to register or telephone 781-751-9284 for more information. Alternatively, you can register here.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Weston Council on Aging, 20 Alphabet Lane, Weston, MA 02493

When: April 16, 2025, 10:00 p.m. – 11:30

Cost: Free

RSVP is requested. Please call the COA to register 781-786-6280

Join us for refreshments, music, and movements as we launch a new series for people experiencing memory changes and their family members or caregivers.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: April 10, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Michaela Calderwood @ mcalderwood@minlib.net to register or telephone 781-751-9284 for more information. Alternatively, you can register directly here.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Natick Senior Center, 117 E. Central St., Natick, MA 01760

When: March 20, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Debbie Budd, 508-647-6540 ext. 1906 to register or for more information.

The Meaningful Connections Memory Café is a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals living with memory loss and their care partners. Each month we will offer entertainment or an activity and a light lunch. Please join us.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: March 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Michaela Calderwood @ mcalderwood@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Foxboro Senior Center, 75 Central Street, Foxborough, MA

When: Feb. 18, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is requested. Drop-ins are also allowed. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Pam McGuire 508-543-1234 / pmcguire@foxboroughma.gov or Kate Fennyery 508-543-1234 / kfennyery@foxboroughma.gov

The Foxborough Memory Cafè is a welcoming place for individuals, families, and friends of those living with memory changes. Join us for a fun combination of music, movement and conversation in a carefree environment. Light refreshments will be served. We respectfully ask caregivers to remain with their loved ones during the program.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: February 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Michaela Calderwood @ mcalderwood@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: January 9, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Michaela Calderwood @ mcalderwood@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: December 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Brittany Tuttle @ btuttle.ddm@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Weston Council on Aging, 20 Alphabet Lane, Weston, MA 02493

When: December 4, 2024, 10:00 p.m. – 11:30

Cost: Free

RSVP is requested. Please call the COA to register 781-786-6280

Join us for refreshments, music, and movements as we launch a new series for people experiencing memory changes and their family members or caregivers.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: November 14, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Brittany Tuttle @ btuttle.ddm@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: October 10, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Brittany Tuttle @ btuttle.ddm@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where:  NewBridge on the Charles

When: September 12, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

Open only to residents of NewBridge on the Charles.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: September 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Brittany Tuttle @ btuttle.ddm@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant St, Taunton, MA 02780

When: September 12, 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Cost: Free

RSVP Registration is required. For additional questions, or to register for the Memory Café, call the registration line for the Taunton Council on Aging at 774-406-5899 or visit the COA, located at 30 Olney St.

Memory Cafés provide support and socializing for adults living with dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. These are held once a month at the library and each meeting will have an activity or presenter.

With a wide range of irresistible, toe-tapping music from the Big Bands to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean, dance movement facilitator Donna Newman-Bluestein will get us to stretch, shake, twist and bend together. Come ready to have fun and leave with a greater sense of vitality and well-being. If you've got a heartbeat you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: The Memory Café by the Lake, Sharon Adult Center, 219 Massapoag Ave, Sharon, MA

When: September 9, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. For information, please contact Cristobal Sanchez, Outreach Coordinator, at csanchez@townofsharon.org or call 781-784-8000.

The Memory Café by the Lake welcomes those living with memory changes and their care partners, whether it be family or friends. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and conversation with others facing similar challenges. This will take place in a safe and supportive environment. A care partner must accompany anyone who needs assistance.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: JF&CS Headquarters
1430 Main Street, Waltham

When: Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 10:00 a.m. – noon

Cost: Free

RSVP not required, but please call or email to confirm dates. Contact Beth at bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-5628 for more information.

A welcoming place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Enjoy coffee, refreshments, creative arts, and conversation with new friends of all ages. A guest artist leads a creative exploration each month. Co-hosted by the Waltham Student Group of Brandeis University. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance.

With a wide range of irresistible, toe-tapping music from the Big Bands to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean, dance movement facilitator Donna Newman-Bluestein will get us to stretch, shake, twist and bend together. Come ready to have fun and leave with a greater sense of vitality and well-being. If you've got a heartbeat you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: July 11, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Brittany Tuttle @ btuttle.ddm@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Memory Café in Bedford, MA , 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730

When: June 21, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

RSVP not required. For more information about this Memory Cafe, please call Amy at 978-505-3779 or email amy@rightathomecare.com

Please come and enjoy refreshments, sensory-stimulating activities and supportive socializing in a stigma free atmosphere.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

You might think dance is only for people who used to like to dance. However, most people wouldn't imagine dance as simple, no fail, creative nonverbal expression which can be done sitting or standing.

It turns out that dance is one of the best ways to maintain and enhance the physical and emotional well-being of older adults. As we move expressively to familiar and irresistible old music and play with props that elicit fun and spontaneity, we are also building new neural pathways, so it is good for the brain as well. People with advanced dementia who can no longer speak or who have physical limitations can participate fully in such dance groups and feel themselves a capable member of a small community of dancers.

Where: Dedham Public Library, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026

When: June 13, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is required. Please contact Brittany Tuttle @ btuttle.ddm@minlib.net to register or for more information.

The Memory Café at Dedham Public Library is a welcoming, interactive place for individuals and families living with memory changes. Come enjoy a light lunch, make new friends and participate in a fun, failure-free activity. A care partner must accompany guests who require personal care assistance. This program is sponsored in part by Dedham Savings Bank.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Join dancers from across the Greater Boston area for a wonderful day of dance classes, performances, and exhibits, including Dance for Connection.

In addition to learning more about Dance for Connection services for older adults and people with dementia and trainings, and the opportunity to purchase an Octaband without having to pay shipping, you can see me dancing with Back Pocket Dancers from 2:50-3:05pm on STAGE 2 on Putnam Ave.

Exhibits will be likely be on Massachusetts Ave in front of the José Mateo Ballet Theatre.

Where: Weston Council on Aging, 20 Alphabet Lane, Weston, MA 02493

When: June 5, 2024, 10:00 p.m. – 11:30

Cost: Free

RSVP is requested. Please call the COA to register 781-786-6280

Join us for refreshments, music, and movements as we launch a new series for people experiencing memory changes and their family members or caregivers.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.

Where: Foxboro Senior Center, , 75 Central Street, Foxborough, MA

When: May 21, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00

Cost: Free

RSVP is requested. Drop-ins are also allowed. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Pam McGuire 508-543-1234 / pmcguire@foxboroughma.gov or Kate Fennyery 508-543-1234 / kfennyery@foxboroughma.gov

The Foxborough Memory Cafè is a welcoming place for individuals, families, and friends of those living with memory changes. Join us for a fun combination of music, movement and conversation in a carefree environment. Light refreshments will be served. We respectfully ask caregivers to remain with their loved ones during the program.

Join us as dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein invites us to sing or hum, and stretch, shake, twist, and bend to irresistible, toe-tapping music, both familiar and new, from the Big Bands, the 1940’s to the 60's, Broadway musicals, disco, and the Caribbean. Together we will create community as we dance in our seats and or on our feet. If you've got a heartbeat, you've got rhythm enough. No prior experience necessary.