Gatsby Valentine’s dance brings generations together at Council for the Aged Kempton Park
With music by Freddy Spires Entertainment and strong community support, the evening proved that age is no barrier to fun on the dance floor.
Seniors and their families were brought together for a Gatsby Valentine’s Dance on February 13 at the Council for the Aged, Kempton Park, Allen Park, where the elders showed the younger generation a few dance-floor tricks.
The evening was filled with love, happiness and joy, with guests spending most of the night on the dance floor and creating an electric atmosphere.
The home organised the event to give residents something special to look forward to on a Friday night.
Photo by: Masego Mashilo
The dance was open to residents, their families and members of the community, and the turnout was impressive.
ALSO READ: Kempton Park Road Runners host annual Valentine’s Day 5km and 10km
The hall was filled to capacity, and the Gatsby theme was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
“Any event we have has a big impact on the residents we care for. To see so many smiles and loving hearts was an incredible sight.
“These events get residents out of their homes and they get to see ‘life’ again. I think with some of the music, they also get a chance to relive memories.
“They also get to interact with friends, family and members of the public,” said Tarryn Shaw, organiser of the Council for the Aged Kempton Park, Allen Park Gatsby Valentine’s Dance.
Entertainment was provided by Freddy Spires Entertainment, with music spanning various genres to cater for the different age groups in attendance.
While no formal love stories were shared, the way couples interacted, families laughed and joked, and friends and relatives danced together reflected the strong sense of love and connection throughout the evening.
The home was supported by volunteers who played an important role in the event’s success.
Photo: Masego Mashilo
Amanda’s Vetkoek Den provided the platters and décor, while some residents and staff from Rencharm also assisted where they could.
Angelique Oelofse said she did not expect the elderly residents to dance the way they did and admitted they were better than her, a highlight of the evening for her.
ALSO READ: Golden Classics to host fifth market day on March 1
“We have a lot of friends who are staying here and they invited us. We honoured the invitation because we wanted to have a great time. The dance is very nice.
“I did not think the older people could dance like this. I thought it would be boring because it’s an old age home, but they are better than me,” Oelofse said.
According to Shaw, planning the event was a breeze, and the Valentine’s Dance will become an ongoing tradition, along with the Spring Dance. There are also plans for more dances in future, as attendees specifically requested additional events.
Marié Bentley shared that her family attended because her mother is a resident at the home. She said the dance exceeded her expectations, as she had assumed the evening would be quiet.
“My mother stays in the complex and we decided that we are going to come along and have a good time.
“The experience is lovely because you would expect the older people to be a bit boring, but it is actually not the case; they showed us a few tricks. I am having a lot of fun.
“It is not what I expected at all because I thought the old people couldn’t dance, but I guess I was wrong, they are good,” Bentley said.
