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Dance at Step55 Club is more than just a project: it’s a community, a pathway to health, and a powerful form of social connection.
Over the years, dancing has become a cherished activity that transcends age, gender, and cultural boundaries. It provides a sense of belonging for many, bringing people together in a shared love of rhythm and movement.
At Step55 Club, their mission is to support the community in achieving happiness, health, and social connection through dance-based activities. With the help of Connect Me: Connecting our Communities funding, they have brought their dream to life. Karl Busch, the project leader of the Step55 club, empowers islanders through dance to enhance their well-being. And despite the name, Step55 is not just for those over 55—everyone is welcome to join in, connect, dance, and boost their physical and mental wellness.
Come join the fun and feel the beat at Step55 Club! Find out more: https://step55.club/
A Mosaic of Dance Styles
Their classes encompass a variety of styles, including Line Dancing, Social Ballroom and Sequence Dance, Eastern Inspired Movement (EMI – adaptation of Tai Chi), Yoga, and Dance Fitness. These sessions have become popular social and activity hubs across several parishes in Jersey.
Cognitive and Physical Benefits
The benefits of dance activities extend beyond a person’s physical health. Line Dancing especially is noted for its cognitive benefits due to the continuous learning of new movement patterns. Engaging in activities that challenge both body and mind helps participants strengthen cognitive abilities, potentially mitigating the effects of dementia.
A Week at Step55 Club
Their weekly schedule is designed to offer something for everyone, ensuring that participants can find a class that suits their interests and needs:
- Monday: A weekly tea dance at Trinity Parish Hall from 2 PM, featuring social ballroom, line dancing, and a delightful afternoon tea.
- Tuesday: At St Martin’s Parish Hall, start with Dance Fitness led by Ann Dove (AD) at 9 AM, followed by Line Dancing at 10 AM led by community dancers. Enjoy a social break with complimentary tea, coffee, and treats, then join Eastern Inspired Movement at 11:30 AM with AD. In the afternoon, head to Communicare, St Brelade for an advanced line dancing class at 12:30 PM with Ann Nicole, who also hosts a monthly Line Dance Tea Dance on the last Saturday of the month.
- Wednesday: Ann Nicole offers an exclusive Line Dance class to the Langtry Ladies.
- Thursday Evening: We’re collaborating with the Royal Pub in St Martin to host an exciting evening of line-dancing entertainment.
- Friday: Beginners can join at St Martin’s Parish Hall for introductory classes: Dance Fitness at 9 AM, Line Dance at 10 AM, and Social Ballroom with Fraser at 11:30 AM.
Building Community Connections
In January, Step55 Club partnered with Dementia Jersey to provide activity classes for their service users and carers. Each week, they offer rotating classes such as Disco Chair (with Karl Busch), Yoga (with Helen Barnes), and Eastern Inspired Movement (with Ann Dove). Monthly, they host a Tea Dance where Step55 Club dancers engage with service users, creating moments of joy and connection that reaffirm the mission.
Connect Me: Connecting Our Communities
Connect Me is a Government of Jersey initiative that provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects which increase opportunities for Jersey residents to participate in arts or physical activities for wellbeing.
Find more info when you click here.
Browse our new social prescribing platform, Elemental. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Connector, participating in activities, or supporting our initiatives, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference.
You can now browse hundreds of services and organisations available across Jersey all in one space.
For more information, visit our new website at https://www.elementalsoftware.site/jersey/.
We are recruiting more Connectors!
Connectors are dedicated representatives from various charities and organisations committed to improving community well-being. Connectors play a crucial role in listening, connecting, and collaborating within their communities. They receive monthly training to enhance their skills and participate in feedback sessions to share experiences and brainstorm solutions collectively.
Currently, there are 29 Connectors from 25 different organisations, including Dementia Jersey, Acorn, Community Navigators, Every Child Our Future, and more.
This September, we will welcome a new cohort of Connectors who will receive training, support, and access to grants. Interested individuals are encouraged to email Connectme@gov.je to get involved.