During these unprecedented times, the National Concert Hall have gone online with their popular Tea Dance Tunes initiative, for those living with dementia and their families and carers...
Numerous studies show musical perception, musical emotion, and musical memory can survive long after other forms of memory and cognitive function have ceased. In dementia, it can improve mood, behaviour, and in some cases cognitive function, which can persist for hours and days even after the music stops.
For these reasons, in December 2014 the National Concert Hall started its Tea Dance Tunes initiative as part of its Health & Wellbeing Programme. The programme was devised for those living with dementia, their carers and families who were invited to attend a concert of popular ballads, seasonal songs and light opera in the NCH.
Since Covid 19 restrictions, Tea Dance Tunes has moved online, providing an invaluable outlet to numerous people in times of increased isolation. The weekly event is now held over Zoom, with residences and care homes all around the country tuning in. Now musicians and attendees interact digitally. Many regulars sing a favourite song each week, others enjoy a dance in their living rooms or care homes.
All Tea Dance Tunes performers have experience performing for those living with dementia. Singer Liz Ryan has been the primary musician since the start of Tea Dance Tunes, both in person and online. She is either joined by an accompanist or a guest musician.
Liz knows all the regular Tea Dance attendees, and has created a wonderful sense of community by greeting people personally and encouraging participation. A sense of camaraderie has been established amongst those tuning in, which provides a significant sense of belonging for participants. This in turn enhances both enjoyment and quality of life.
The National Concert Hall espouses music as a profound form of human expression, striving to enrich people’s lives through music and the magic of live performance. Tea Dance Tunes is enabling the NCH to perform this function for some of society’s most vulnerable members, at a time of their lives when the magic of music provides a vital outlet which enhances the human experience beyond measure.
Find out more about the Tea Dance Tunes sessions here - there is no charge for this event, although donations are appreciated. Tea Dance Tunes Online is supported by the RTÉ Does Comic Relief Fund.
