Seated Dance & Movement Therapy Melbourne
Joyful Movement for Aged care Residents!
Hi there! My name is Lisa Koba, a Dance Therapy Specialist based in Melbourne, Australia. I create and lead customised, seated dance and movement sessions for aged care homes, day centres, and dementia support groups, bringing proven health benefits and a sense of joy to residents.
My passion for dance therapy is grounded in scientific research. In 2016, I collaborated with Professor Meg Morris from La Trobe University on a study that found tap dancing has incredible potential to improve motor skills, well-being, quality of life, and cognitive function. The study demonstrated that dance, by combining physical movement with cognitive sequencing, is a powerful tool for exercising both the body and the mind.
My sessions are a wonderful social activity that has many benefits including lifting residents' mood, spirits and energy levels. As I like to say, dance is food for the body, mind, and spirit.
Accessible: Sessions are mainly seated and low-impact, making them perfect for individuals 60+ and of various fitness levels.
Physical Health: My sessions help build bone density, strengthen the heart, and can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Cognitive & Social Benefits: Dance is a fantastic social activity that boosts energy and provides a proven way to improve brain function. In fact, research shows that regular dancing can lower the risk of dementia by 76%.
Ready to bring the proven benefits and magic of dance to the residents in your facility? Contact me to learn more!
Let’s Move was proud to be involved and supporting Dancing Against Dementia 2023, run by The Umbrella Dementia Cafe.
The dance-a-thon fundraiser was held on Saturday 16 September 2023. DJ Isaiah raised the the roof playing dance anthems between the 1940’s and 2020’s, teams of all ages danced for someone they love living with dementia.
Research shows that dancing can help reduce the onset of dementia and improve cognitive function. And it’s just as powerful for people living with dementia. The sooner you start dancing, the better it can be, even as young as 30yrs old. So don’t wait until retirement to start the fight against dementia. The fight starts today. Sign up and get involved for 2024!
Testimonials
“Lisa brings a sense of fun, enthusiasm and joy to our residents with each session. Bringing back fond memories with the music she plays and the lively banter as she shows and explains the exercises. Working with residents in a memory support unit needs a special type of gift which Lisa has in bounds as she uses different techniques using visual and sensory to engage the residents.” Cathie Singleton, Lifestyle Coordinator, AdventCare Whitehorse
"Very enjoyable dancing today, it brings back memories.” Ted, April, 2017
"Thank you, for making the day so very special." July 2017
"Lisa Koba has developed & led multiple dancing sessions at the Umbrella Dementia Cafe's. As our cafés include all types of dementia diseases, Lisa’s unique skill & proficiency to adapt to all physical & cognitive abilities, has allowed our café group to feel connected through their shared love of music & dance. Lisa’s selection of dance style & music is always appropriate, respectful & sensitive to our guest’s interests. This is especially important given the wide age ranges within our group. Lisa’s passion & enthusiasm inspires all our guests to not only participate & engage, but to also laugh whole-heartedly from the pure joy she brings to each & every one of her dance classes." Kirsty Porter, Founder, Umbrella Dementia Cafe's
Thanks for a wonderful workshop. The residents really loved it, & I also got a lot of positive feedback from staff. Veronica, Activities Coordinator, Mercy Place Aged Care
“It was so lovely having you here again yesterday – you music & energy is such a buzz here.” April 2019
“It was so good to have you back yesterday after the challenge of lockdown the residents were elated.” Steph Lovick, Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Uniting AgeWell
“Last Wednesday was so much fun. I am sure that half of the participants would not have dreamt they would be dancing, singing and laughter.
Thank you so much.” Bernadette September 2024
“Your joy and energy is infectious. I haven't felt like this for a long time.” Dyson September 2023
