99-year-old dancer at Inverness care home enjoys trip down memory lane as Scottish Ballet visit
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It was pliés and pas de deux all the way at Highview House care home, in Inverness as residents and staff welcomed Scottish Ballet to the home on February 1.
The residents participated in a session of armchair ballet lead by Dance Health Artist, Danielle Tyrer, and musician, Adam Stearns, but for one resident in particular, it was an opportunity to show off her dancing prowess having been a seriously talented dancer in her youth.
Ena McCarrell, 99, was accompanied by her daughters Moira and Maureen for the day, and revelled in a trip down memory lane. In her childhood, Ena and her sister had travelled from Blairgowrie to Dundee for ballet dance lessons, and this culminated in a performance as two of the three signets in Swan Lake. Ena subsequently fell in love with ballroom dancing and finally met her husband-to-be, Charlie, at one of the local dances.
Choosing to marry and have a family instead of developing her dancing talents, she remained proud of the one competition she participated in during the war as a Wren when she won a medal. She still wears it round her neck today at age 99!
After the session with Scottish Ballet, Ena said: “I have always loved ballet, I think it is absolutely magical and beautiful to watch. I love how timeless the famous ballets are, I never tire of them!”
Ena’s daughter, Moira, added: “It was wonderful to watch - and work with - the residents and, in particular, to see Mum responding to the movements to the best of her ability.”
Lead activities coordinator at Highview House, Aiden Wylie, said: “We’ve all had a brilliant day today. Our residents loved both watching and performing the armchair ballet routines. For Ena, in particular, it was a chance to participate in an activity that she thought perhaps had passed her by at 99 years of age. She certainly still has a flair for dancing!
“Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.”
