Dancing Through a Decade celebrates 10 years of Dance Health Alliance (DHA) and the impact of our community dance programs on older adults across Sydney. Over ten weeks, we will mark this milestone by adding a special morning tea to each of our community classes and inviting participants to bring a friend for free, encouraging ...
Dance Health Alliance
Dancing Through a Decade
GOAL
$5,000
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Arts and culture
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
Target Population
- Seniors (65+)
- People with a disability, illness or disease
Dance Health Alliance
Dance Health Alliance (DHA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing, and social connection of older adults and people living with dementia through dance programs. For over ten years, DHA has delivered community-based movement initiatives across Sydney and regional NSW, creating safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces where participants can move, connect, and thrive.
Our programs, including DanceWise and DanceMoves, are adaptable to all abilities, whether participants are fully mobile, use a walker, or participate seated. Sessions combine gentle movement, rhythm, and music to support physical function, coordination, and cognitive engagement, while also fostering social connection, reducing isolation, and building confidence and joy.
DHA trains NSW Health staff and aged care providers in rural communities to deliver these programs, extending access for seniors outside metropolitan areas and building local capacity to support active ageing.
Our programs are delivered by trained movement practitioners with expertise in older adults and people living with dementia. Over the years, DHA has partnered with aged care providers, local health districts, and community centres, reaching hundreds of participants across diverse communities.
Led by a CEO inspired by personal experience supporting older family members, DHA celebrates ten years of helping people stay active, socially connected, and part of a stronger, healthier community across NSW.
Project Summary
Dancing Through a Decade celebrates 10 years of Dance Health Alliance (DHA) and the impact of our community dance programs on older adults across Sydney. Over ten weeks, we will mark this milestone by adding a special morning tea to each of our community classes and inviting participants to bring a friend for free, encouraging connection and participation.
This project will run across all DHA community classes, which are designed to be accessible to people of all abilities. Sessions combine gentle movement, music, and rhythm to support physical function, coordination, and wellbeing, while also fostering social engagement. Dance has long been a social event for many older adults, and this project revitalises that tradition, providing a joyful, shared experience that strengthens community ties.
The addition of morning tea after each class will create space for conversation, laughter, and relationship-building, giving participants time to connect and deepen friendships in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The bring a friend element encourages wider participation, helping isolated older adults to join in and experience the benefits of movement, music, and social connection.
Through Dancing Through a Decade, DHA celebrates its ten-year journey while reinforcing our commitment to active ageing, inclusion, and wellbeing. By combining dance, social connection, and a touch of celebration, the project ensures participants not only move their bodies but also feel part of a supportive, vibrant community.
Project Outcomes
Dancing Through a Decade celebrates ten years of Dance Health Alliance (DHA) by bringing older adults together to enjoy movement, connection, and wellbeing. Over ten weeks, each community class will include a morning tea and participants are invited to bring a friend for free. The project creates a welcoming space where people can enjoy gentle dance and social time while feeling included and supported.
We hope to achieve four main outcomes:
Stronger social connections – giving participants the chance to meet new people, deepen friendships, and reduce isolation.
Increased physical activity – encouraging gentle, inclusive movement that supports coordination, balance, and confidence.
Wider community participation – welcoming friends and new participants to experience DHA programs for the first time.
Celebrating participants’ stories – following their personal, lifelong experiences and sharing highlights on social media to inspire others and showcase the impact of the program.
We will measure success through attendance, feedback, and observation during classes and morning tea. Seeing more people join, participate, share their stories, and engage socially will show that the project is helping older adults feel connected, active, and part of a vibrant, inclusive community.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $8,500
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funded | $3,500 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| The total budget for Dancing Through a Decade is $8,500. This covers facilitator fees, venue hire for three community classes over ten weeks, morning tea, and promotional materials to support the “bring a friend” initiative and share participants’ stories. We are requesting $5,000 from the Australian Communities Foundation, with DHA contributing $3,500 from existing funds and in-kind support to ensure safe, inclusive, and engaging sessions. | $8,500 |
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