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Flamenco sessions bring joy to care home residents

George CardenHaywards Heath
George Carden/BBC Josefa looks at the camera with blurred children in the background. They are all wearing a black t-shirt with a woman dancing in the top left hand corner as well as a red and black polka-dot scarf. She has blonde, curly hair and hoop earrings. George Carden/BBC
Josefa Carrillo Contrera teaches the sessions every month

Residents at a West Sussex care home have praised monthly Spanish flamenco dances performed on-site by school children.

"We love to see the young children - they cheer you up," said John Barber, 92, a resident at Martlet Manor Care Home in Haywards Heath.

They are run every month by teacher Josefa Carrillo Contreras, who said the residents love the sessions.

"They smile and clap. They really enjoy it, I think the children really enjoy it too," she said.

George Carden/BBC Residents in chairs and wheelchairs watching children dancing George Carden/BBC
A full house for the flamenco dancing

Contreras, who has been running dancing sessions for 18 years, said the dancing helps evoke memories of Spanish holidays for residents, some who have dementia.

Barber added: "It's entertaining - they put a lot of energy into it.

"It's always popular at the care home. It's always a full house. It's lovely to see children enjoying themselves."

George Carden/BBC Wendy spragg who has grey hair and glasses wearing a floral shawl draped over her shouldersGeorge Carden/BBC
Wendy Spragg finds the sessions nostalgic

Wendy Spragg, 88, said the sessions reminded her of Spanish holidays.

She said: "They're so lovely these children. I think it's lovely. They're so sweet. I love their sparkly shoes and skirts."

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