Gathered in a circle with their instructor, seniors of all abilities gracefully wave their arms, point their toes and create rhythmic patterns in the air with ribbons.

Called the Joy of Movement, the class uses classical dance movements to explore different ways to move the body and exercise.

For the past six years, Ballet San Angelo has partnered with the Crest, the memory care community at Baptist Retirement Community, to bring the benefits of movement and music to seniors who live there. 

Indeed, the dancers are rewarded with joy – and much more. The program helps improve mobility, health and well-being, mental sharpness and quality of movement, according to the Buckner team.

The combination of familiar music and hymns helps remove the drudgery of exercise or physical therapy, making movement uplifting – good for the body and soul. 

Watch the movement in action in the latest Buckner Today.