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Teenager charged with murdering school girls at dance class identified

<p dir="ltr">A court in the UK has identified the 17-year-old boy accused of going on a stabbing rampage at a <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/taylor-swift-in-shock-after-three-young-girls-killed-at-dance-class" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dance class </a>and killing three young girls. </p> <p dir="ltr">The court released the information on Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, a 17-year-old born in Cardiff, in order to stem the flow of misinformation about the suspect that ignited riots around the UK. </p> <p dir="ltr">The court said that while Rudakubana would not normally have been publicly named due to the fact that he is still a minor, they made an exception to quash the riots, while also taking into account that he is just days away from his 18th birthday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Unrest has been seen outside mosques as protesters target Muslims in the wake of the tragedy, causing police to again confirm that the teen was born in the UK. </p> <p dir="ltr">Police said his family are of Rwandan descent where 92 per cent of people identify as Christian, while only 2 per cent of Rwandans are Muslim.</p> <p dir="ltr">The horror began at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday in Southport, just north of Liverpool in England’s north west, when Rudakubana targeted the young girls and their families. </p> <p>Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar died after the knife rampage, while eight other children suffered stab wounds and five were in fighting for their life, alongside two adults who were critically injured.</p> <p>Following the tragedy, large crowds fought with police in the town close to where the tragedy had happened including outside a mosque after false reports emerged that the attacker was Muslim. </p> <p>Rudakubana, who was born in Cardiff in Wales but lived in the town of Banks in Lancashire, close to Southport, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and a knife possession charged. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Merseyside Police</em></p>

Legal

Taylor Swift in shock after three young girls killed at dance class

<p>Taylor Swift has released a shocked statement after a nine-year-old girl became the third young child to die following a stabbing rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK.</p> <p>The tragic incident unfolded in Southport on Monday during a dance workshop inspired by the popular singer, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">leaving three young girls dead and ten others injured</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p>As the nine-year-old girl became the latest to succumb to injuries, she joined two other victims aged six and seven. They have been identified as Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6.</p> <p>The perpetrator, a 17-year-old boy, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind this horrific attack, which left six children in critical condition.</p> <p>On Tuesday, Taylor Swift expressed her deep sorrow and shock over the incident in a statement posted on Instagram, saying she was “completely in shock” and was still taking in “the horror” of the event.</p> <p>“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders,” she wrote “These were just little kids at a dance class.</p> <p>“I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”</p> <p>Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy commended the bravery of two teachers who were injured while trying to protect the children. The community has responded with an outpouring of grief, leaving flowers and stuffed animals at a makeshift memorial near the scene.</p> <p>Eyewitnesses described chaotic and terrifying scenes as children, some covered in blood, fled the community centre known as the Hart Space. "They were in the road, running from the nursery," said local shop owner Bare Varathan, describing the severity of the injuries.</p> <p>The attacker, who was born in Cardiff, Wales, and had been living in a nearby village, has not yet been charged. Police have confirmed that they are not treating the incident as terror-related and are not seeking additional suspects.</p> <p>The attack has intensified concerns about knife crime in the UK, prompting calls for stricter regulations on bladed weapons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as "horrendous and deeply shocking", while King Charles and Prince William expressed their condolences and sympathies.</p> <p><em>Images: Merseyside Police \ Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"Rest in love": All Blacks legend and Dancing with the Stars winner dies at 55

<p>The sports and entertainment communities are mourning the loss of former All Blacks hooker and <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> winner Norm Hewitt, who has passed away at the age of 55.</p> <p>Hewitt, a beloved figure both on and off the rugby field, succumbed to a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement.</p> <p>"Although rugby dominated his early life, he established a thriving human relations consultancy after retirement, and his services were much in demand both nationally and internationally," his family shared. "He walked confidently in both Māori and Pākehā worlds and was a particular role model for troubled youth, citing his own background, and offering inspirational teachings that one’s present life need not be one’s future."</p> <p>Hewitt leaves behind his wife Arlene and their two children, Elizabeth and Alexander. Born and raised in Pōrangahau, southern Hawke’s Bay, Hewitt's rugby career was nothing short of illustrious. Over 13 seasons, he played 296 representative matches for Hawke’s Bay, Southland and Wellington, earning 23 caps for the All Blacks. Hewitt was also a pivotal member of the Hurricanes during the formative years of Super Rugby, missing only one match in the first five years.</p> <p>The rugby community has been profoundly affected by Hewitt's passing. Former teammate Ofisa Tonu’u posted a touching tribute on Facebook: "I’m just devastated finding out the news today. I will never forget how you always stuck up for me during the Black Tracker days when no one else would, you always look after all the players and we always followed you into battle. No more pain, brother, you can now rest in Love. Fa’afetai tele lava my uso for having my back as I did yours. I know the other boys will be welcoming you with open arms at the gates. Rest in Love, Normy."</p> <p>Beyond his rugby career, Hewitt transitioned into a public speaker and mentor, focusing heavily on violence prevention programmes and advocacy. He worked with the SPCA as an animal cruelty and anti-violence publicity officer, visiting schools to spread his message. In 2005, Hewitt showcased his versatility by winning the first season of<em> Dancing with the Stars</em> alongside professional dancer Carol-Ann Hickmore.</p> <p>Hewitt's life was not without its struggles. In 1999, he made a public apology for a drunken incident in Queenstown, marking a turning point as he renounced alcohol and dedicated himself to helping others facing similar challenges.</p> <p>The outpouring of tributes was immediate, with The All Blacks expressing their sorrow: “We are saddened by the loss of All Black #938 Norm Hewitt who passed away yesterday in Wellington. Hewitt played 9 Tests and 14 Games between 1993 and 1998. Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time.”</p> <p>Podcaster Martin Devlin shared his personal experience: “RIP Norm Hewitt. Not a lot of people know how kind & generous this man was. A truly wonderful person. Reached out to me and helped me considerably a long time ago when things were very rough. Love & respect.”</p> <p>Richard Hills echoed the sentiments of many: “This is bloody sad. A sad way to lose a kiwi icon so young. He had a really rough childhood and upbringing and faced it and turned his life around to become not only a rugby legend but also helped others who’d been through similar issues.”</p> <p>Norm Hewitt’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the positive change he inspired. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.</p> <p><em>Image: Radio New Zealand</em></p>

Caring

Kick up your heels – ballroom dancing offers benefits to the aging brain and could help stave off dementia

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/helena-blumen-1231899">Helena Blumen</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/albert-einstein-college-of-medicine-3638">Albert Einstein College of Medicine</a></em></p> <h2>The big idea</h2> <p>Social ballroom dancing can improve cognitive functions and reduce brain atrophy in older adults who are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. That’s the key finding of my team’s <a href="https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2022-0176">recently published study</a> in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.</p> <p>In our study, we enrolled 25 adults over 65 years of age in either six months of twice-weekly ballroom dancing classes or six months of twice-weekly treadmill walking classes. None of them were engaged in formal dancing or other exercise programs.</p> <p>The overall goal was to see how each experience affected cognitive function and brain health.</p> <p>While none of the study volunteers had a dementia diagnosis, all performed a bit lower than expected on at least one of our dementia screening tests. We found that older adults that completed six months of social dancing and those that completed six months of treadmill walking improved their executive functioning – an umbrella term for planning, reasoning and processing tasks that require attention.</p> <p>Dancing, however, generated significantly greater improvements than treadmill walking on one measure of executive function and on processing speed, which is the time it takes to respond to or process information. Compared with walking, dancing was also associated with reduced brain atrophy in the hippocampus – a brain region that is key to memory functioning and is particularly affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also know that this part of our brain can undergo neurogenesis – or grow new neurons – <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0611721104">in response to aerobic exercise</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/unmbhUvnGow?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Research shows those who regularly dance with a partner have a more positive outlook on life.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>While several previous studies suggest that dancing has beneficial effects <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaa270">on cognitive function in older adults</a>, only a few studies have compared it directly with traditional exercises. Our study is the first to observe both better cognitive function and improved brain health following dancing than walking in older adults at risk for dementia. We think that social dancing may be more beneficial than walking because it is physically, socially and cognitively demanding – and therefore strengthens a wide network of brain regions.</p> <p>While dancing, you’re not only using brain regions that are important for physical movement. You’re also relying on brain regions that are important for interacting and adapting to the movements of your dancing partner, as well as those necessary for learning new dance steps or remembering those you’ve learned already.</p> <h2>Why it matters</h2> <p>Nearly 6 million older adults in the U.S. and 55 million worldwide <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2019.01.010">have Alzheimer’s disease</a> or a <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia">related dementia</a>, yet there is no cure. Sadly, the efficacy and ethics surrounding recently developed drug treatments <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21507740.2022.2129858">are still under debate</a>.</p> <p>The good news is that older adults can potentially <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6">lower their risk for dementia</a> through lifestyle interventions, even later in life. These include reducing social isolation and physical inactivity.</p> <p>Social ballroom dancing targets both isolation and inactivity. In these later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a better understanding of the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214211005223">indirect effects of COVID-19</a> – particularly those that increase dementia risk, such as social isolation – is urgently needed. In my view, early intervention is critical to prevent dementia from becoming the next pandemic. Social dancing could be a particularly timely way to overcome the adverse cognitive and brain effects associated with isolation and fewer social interactions during the pandemic.</p> <h2>What still isn’t known</h2> <p>Traditional aerobic exercise interventions such as treadmill-walking or running have been shown to lead to modest but reliable improvements in cognition – <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617707316">particularly in executive function</a>.</p> <p>My team’s study builds on that research and provides preliminary evidence that not all exercise is equal when it comes to brain health. Yet our sample size was quite small, and larger studies are needed to confirm these initial findings. Additional studies are also needed to determine the optimal length, frequency and intensity of dancing classes that may result in positive changes.</p> <p>Lifestyle interventions like social ballroom dancing are a promising, noninvasive and cost-effective path toward staving off dementia as we – eventually – leave the COVID-19 pandemic behind.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/194969/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/helena-blumen-1231899">Helena Blumen</a>, Associate Professor of Medicine and Neurology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/albert-einstein-college-of-medicine-3638">Albert Einstein College of Medicine</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/kick-up-your-heels-ballroom-dancing-offers-benefits-to-the-aging-brain-and-could-help-stave-off-dementia-194969">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Mind

Let’s dance! How dance classes can lift your mood and help boost your social life

<p>If your new year’s resolutions include getting healthier, exercising more and lifting your mood, dance might be for you.</p> <p>By dance, we don’t mean watching other people dance on TikTok, as much fun as this can be. We mean taking a dance class, or even better, a few.</p> <p>A growing body of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2020.1732526">research shows</a> the benefits of dance, regardless of the type (for example, classes or social dancing) or the style (hip hop, ballroom, ballet). Dance boosts our wellbeing as it improves our emotional and physical health, makes us feel less stressed and more socially connected.</p> <p>Here’s what to consider if you think dance might be for you.</p> <h2>The benefits of dance</h2> <p>Dance is <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1077800417745919">an engaging and fun</a> way of exercising, learning and meeting people. A review of the evidence <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2020.1732526">shows</a> taking part in dance classes or dancing socially improves your health and wellbeing regardless of your age, gender or fitness.</p> <p>Another review focuses more specifically on benefits of dance across the lifespan. It <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2021.1950891">shows</a> dance classes and dancing socially at any age improves participants’ sense of self, confidence and creativity.</p> <p>Researchers have also looked at specific dance programs.</p> <p>One UK-based dance program for young people aged 14 <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14647893.2011.561306">shows</a> one class a week for three months increased students’ fitness level and self-esteem. This was due to a combination of factors including physical exercise, a stimulating learning environment, positive engagement with peers, and creativity.</p> <p>Another community-based program for adults in hospital <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2020.1725072">shows</a> weekly dance sessions led to positive feelings, enriches social engagement and reduced stress related to being in hospital.</p> <p>If you want to know how much dance is needed to develop some of these positive effects, we have good news for you.</p> <p>A useful hint comes from a <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-015-2672-7">study</a> that looked exactly at how much creative or arts engagement is needed for good mental health – 100 or more hours a year, or two or more hours a week, in most cases.</p> <h2>Dance is social</h2> <p>But dance is more than physical activity. It is also a community ritual. Humans have <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/223398">always danced</a>. We still do so to mark and celebrate transitory periods in life. Think of how weddings prompt non-dancers to move rhythmically to music. Some cultures dance to celebrate childbirth. Many dance to celebrate religious and cultural holidays.</p> <p>This is what inspired French sociologist <a href="https://iep.utm.edu/emile-durkheim/">Emile Durkheim</a> (1858-1917) to explore how dance affects societies and cultures.</p> <p>Durkheim <a href="https://archive.org/search?query=external-identifier%3A%22urn%3Aoclc%3Arecord%3A689172179%22">saw</a> collective dance as a societal glue – a social practice that cultivates what he called “collective effervescence”, a feeling of dynamism, vitality and community.</p> <p>He observed how dance held cultures together by creating communal feelings that were difficult to cultivate otherwise, for example a feeling of uplifting togetherness or powerful unity.</p> <p>It’s that uplifting feeling you might experience when dancing at a concert and even for a brief moment forgetting yourself while moving in synchrony with the rest of the crowd.</p> <p>Synchronous <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/529447">collective activities</a>, such as dance, provide a pleasurable way to foster social bonding. This is due to feelings Durkheim noticed that we now know as transcendental emotions – such as joy, awe and temporary dissolution of a sense of self (“losing yourself”). These can lead to feeling a part of something bigger than ourselves and help us experience social connectedness.</p> <p>For those of us still experiencing social anxiety or feelings of loneliness due to the COVID pandemic, dance can be a way of (re)building social connections and belonging.</p> <p>Whether you join an online dance program and invite a few friends, go to an in-person dance class, or go to a concert or dance club, dance can give temporary respite from the everyday and help lift your mood.</p> <h2>Keen to try out dance?</h2> <p>Here’s what to consider:</p> <ul> <li> <p>if you have not exercised for a while, start with a program tailored to beginners or the specific fitness level that suits you</p> </li> <li> <p>if you have physical injuries, check in with your GP first</p> </li> <li> <p>if public dance classes are unappealing, consider joining an online dance program, or going to a dance-friendly venue or concert</p> </li> <li> <p>to make the most of social aspect of dance, invite your friends and family to join you</p> </li> <li> <p>social dance classes are a better choice for meeting new people</p> </li> <li> <p>beginner performance dance classes will improve your physical health, dance skills and self-esteem</p> </li> <li> <p>most importantly, remember, it is not so much about how good your dancing is, dance is more about joy, fun and social connectedness.</p> </li> </ul> <p>In the words of one participant in our (yet-to-be published) research on dance and wellbeing, dance for adults is a rare gateway into fun, "there’s so much joy, there’s so much play in dancing. And play isn’t always that easy to access as an adult; and yet, it’s just such a joyful experience. I feel so happy to be able to dance."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/lets-dance-how-dance-classes-can-lift-your-mood-and-help-boost-your-social-life-197692" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Body

Drop that bass (below the level of human hearing) to get bodies on the dance floor moving

<p>People dance nearly 12% more when music includes very low frequency bass but researchers have found that it may be the sounds we don’t hear that gets our toes tapping.</p> <p>This is interesting news for those who’ve had an experience at a party, celebration or club when the music’s groove just isn’t making your body move and who might be tempted to reach for the nearest beverage to lubricate our joints.</p> <p>But maybe there’s a solution which is more subtle – and less liable to cause headaches the next day…</p> <p>It seems, as Meghan Trainor correctly observed in 2014, that it really is “All About That Bass.”</p> <p>Now, it is no revelation that bass-driven music is good for a boogie. Trainor certainly wasn’t the first to discover this critical component of the rhythm section.</p> <p>Researchers from Canada and Germany turned a live electronic music concert into a lab study, to find out how different qualities of music influence the body. Their results are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.035%20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in <em>Current Biology</em>.</p> <p>The researchers introduced over speakers levels of bass below human hearing levels. This super low pitch infrasound is made up of wavelengths of sound too long for our ears to pick up. Infrasound is common in whale song and other parts of the animal and natural world.</p> <p>Monitoring the crowd’s movements, the scientists found that people danced 11.8% more when the very low frequency bass was present.</p> <p>“I’m trained as a drummer, and most of my research career has been focused on the rhythmic aspects of music and how they make us move,” says first author Daniel Cameron, a neuroscientist from Canada’s McMaster University. “Music is a biological curiosity – it doesn’t reproduce us, it doesn’t feed us, and it doesn’t shelter us, so why do humans like it and why do they like to move to it?”</p> <p>Cameron and colleagues treated participants in the study to a 45-minute live set by electronic musical duo Orphx at LIVELab, a research theatre at the University.</p> <p>Donning motion-sensing headbands, the concert-goers’ dance moves were monitored. They were also asked to fill out survey forms before and after to ensure they didn’t detect the infrasound, to measure their enjoyment, and examine how the music felt physically.</p> <p>Turning the ultra-low bass playing speakers on and off every two minutes, the researchers found movement increased by 12% when the speakers were on.</p> <p>Vibrations experienced through touch and interactions between the inner ear and brain are closely linked to the motor system.</p> <p>The researchers theorise that there is a neurological link between these physiological processes and music. They believe that our anatomy can pick up on low frequencies, affecting our perception of “groove”, spontaneous movement and rhythm.</p> <p>Cameron suggests that the super-low frequencies may influence the vestibular system which controls body position and movement through the inner ear.</p> <p>“Very low frequencies may also affect vestibular sensitivity, adding to people’s experience of movement. Nailing down the brain mechanisms involved will require looking the effects of low frequencies on the vestibular, tactile, and auditory pathways,” says Cameron.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=222462&title=Drop+that+bass+%28below+the+level+of+human+hearing%29+to+get+bodies+on+the+dance+floor+moving" width="1" height="1" /> </em></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em>This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/bass-dance-more/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Evrim Yazgin. </em></p> </div>

Music

Get out your glitter and head down the Atlanta Highway – the B-52s are setting out on their final dance party!

<p>After 45 years together the B-52’s have announced they are unplugging and de-wigging for their final US tour. “No one likes to throw a party more than we do, but after almost a half-century on the road, it’s time for one last blowout with our friends and family… our fans,” <a href="https://ultimateclassicrock.com/b-52s-farewell-tour-2022/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referra">said Fred Schneider</a>.</p> <p>Who was to know that an impromptu jam session in 1976 in the American college town of Athens, Georgia, would be the foundation of a 45-year career?</p> <p>The innovative band that formed in 1976 originally consisted of Cindy Wilson (vocals and guitar), Kate Pierson (vocals and keyboards), Fred Schneider (vocals), Ricky Wilson (guitar) and Keith Strickland (drums). </p> <p>The world’s introduction to the B-52’s was the almost seven-minute song <em>Rock Lobster</em>. An unexpected hit, this uplifting musical concoction is comprised of a baritone-tuned Mosrite electric guitar riff, interspersed with stabbing Farfisa organ accents, and an array of vocal interplay with jazz-esque backing vocal parts.</p> <p>These are interspersed with Pierson’s dolphin like vocal sounds while Schneider’s unique lead vocal spoken delivery offers lyrics about a crustacean. The accompanying video presented a mixture of pop culture’s past with 1950’s cartoonist hair styles, surf culture, combined with uniquely erratic choreography, but musically there are elements that serve as a disruption to pop music.</p> <p><em>Rock Lobster</em> reached number one in Canada, three in Australia, 37 on the UK singles charts and 56 on the US Billboard Hot 100.</p> <h2>Influences and scene</h2> <p>The band’s influences draw from diverse sources across pop culture, such as B-grade movies, Captain Beefheart, 60’s dance moves, Dusty Springfield, comic books, animated cartoons, the composer Nino Rota (Fellini films), pulp science-fiction and Yoko Ono. </p> <p>This is perhaps best illustrated in the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VujxeH8uK_Q"><em>Planet Clair</em>e</a> (1978) which opens instrumentally with intermittent radio frequencies that fade to a central guitar riff derived from Mancini’s Peter Gunn theme, then bongos and keyboards stabs, and Pierson’s mesmerising unison singing (chromatic long notes) with the DX7 keyboard part. This is followed by witty, farcical lyrics with an abundance of sci-fi references: satellites, speed of light, Mars.</p> <p>The B-52’s emerged from the 1970’s New Wave (rock) scene with their own combination of non-threatening post-punk and alternative surf rock musical aesthetics. Subversion was in the form of less musical dissonance and less density, more freedom, more harmonies, more play. Less aggressive, more diva, with an infectious enthusiasm.</p> <p>They created their own niche that was unquestionably southern, and importantly broke new ground as LGBTIQ+ icons, by infusing an uncompromisingly camp and queer sensibility into pop culture. </p> <p>From 1979 to 1986, the band recorded four studio albums that were best known for dance grooves, featuring the distinctive vocals of Schneider using sprechgesang(a spoken singing style credited to Humperdinck in 1897 and Schoenberg in 1912), the highly experimental vocal approaches of Pierson, growls and harmonies by Wilson, and Strickland’s surf guitar riffs. </p> <p>They made novel instrumentation choices: toy pianos, walkie talkies, glockenspiels, and bongos, coupled with the innovative use of up-cycled fashion and costumes evoking individuality and liberation. </p> <p>The exception was the EP <em>Mesopotamia</em> (1982) produced by David Byrne, a significant departure from their previous song production. Most noticeable is the slower tempo of <em>Mesopotamia</em>, 119 beats per minute (BPM) compared with <em>Rock Lobster’s</em> (1978) 179 BPM and <em>Private Idaho’s</em> (1980) driving 166 BPM tempo. <em>Mesopotamia</em> features additional synthesizer parts, poly-rhythmic beats (the combination of two or more different rhythms following the same pulse) and world beat influences.</p> <p>On the surface the B-52s lyrics could be misconstrued as merely comedic, or nonsensical, however there are deeper underlining lyrical meanings that speak for the marginalised, referencing the band’s political ideology: environmental causes, feminism, LGBTIQ+ rights, and AIDS activism.</p> <h2>Late 1980s and early 1990s</h2> <p><em>Bouncing Off The Satellites</em> took three years to complete and was released in 1986. Sadly, Ricky Wilson died from HIV/AIDS related illness in 1985 just after the recording sessions were complete. The B-52s reshaped the band with Strickland switching from drums to lead guitar. Later, the band also added touring members for studio albums and live performances. </p> <p>The B-52s album with the greatest commercial success was <em>Cosmic Thing</em> (1989) co-produced by Don Was and Nile Rodgers. The single <em>Love Shack</em>, went double platinum, reached number 1 for eight weeks, and sold 5 million copies. </p> <p>The song opens with engaging drum sounds at an infectious dance tempo of 133 BPM (beats per minute). Schneider’s distinctive vocal enters, then the bass and guitar parts. The arrangement places the hooks at the front in the song, with chorus vocal parts in 4ths. </p> <p>Adding to the infectious groove is the live band sound featuring real brass section, and bass guitar and a bluesy guitar riff with crowd noises in the background. The alluring backing vocal parts on the lyrics “bang, bang, bang, on the door baby” are clearly reminiscent of the <em>Batman</em> television theme music.</p> <h2>Into the 21st century</h2> <p>In 2008 the band re-emerged from a 16-year recording absence with the 11-track album <em>Funplex</em>. There are notable modifications to the B-52s signature sound. <em>Funplex</em> is not the frenetic and spontaneous party music of previous albums. There are a few adaptations vocally too, with a change of roles with spoken word from Wilson and Pierson.</p> <p>The band has toured every summer, with a variety of other bands on the circuit, the Tubes, Go-Go’s, Psychedelic Furs and KC & The Sunshine Band building new audiences.</p> <p>Their appeal is still broad. In 2020, <em>Rock Lobster</em> was used in Australia for an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-VHByOdHmg">Optus ad</a>. The farewell tour billed as “their final tour ever of planet Earth” commences in August this year in Seattle.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/get-out-your-glitter-and-head-down-the-atlanta-highway-the-b-52s-are-setting-out-on-their-final-dance-party-182934" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Music

"You get burnt together, you get wet together, you dance together": how festivals transform lives – and landscapes

<p>Every year in lutruwita/Tasmania, <a href="https://www.triplem.com.au/story/dark-mofo-2022-figures-show-festival-was-a-success-202082">tens of thousands of people</a>journey to and meander through the island state and take in festivals such as <a href="https://darkmofo.net.au/">Dark Mofo</a>, <a href="https://cygnetfolkfestival.org/">Cygnet Folk Festival</a> or <a href="https://www.nayriniaragoodspirit.com/">Nayri Niara Good Spirit Festival</a>. </p> <p>Part of the pull of this place and its cultural offerings are the landscapes in which such events are placed: picturesque mountain ranges and deep valleys; vast open paddocks and pristine bushlands; glistening coastlines; quirky city spaces.</p> <p>As human geographers, we understand that festival landscapes are more than a party backdrop. They are not waiting, ready to greet us like some sort of environmental festival host. They have <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-deep-time-1440836">Deep Time</a> and layers of meaning.</p> <p>But when they become spaces for creative adventures, these landscapes also have profound effects on how people experience festivals, affecting our sense of place, of ourselves and others. </p> <p>Festivals come with specific boundaries – dates, gates or fences – and mark a period and place in which we experience <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02614360802127243">some shifting of social norms</a>. </p> <p>In <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1755458622000354#!">our research</a>, we wanted to explore how festivals affect people’s sense of place, self and other.</p> <p>As Grace, an avid festival-goer, told us “social expectations that come with adulthood get removed at a festival.” </p> <p>"I don’t know what happens when you walk through the gate of a festival [..] you leave all that behind and you step into what feels like […] a more authentic version of yourself. Or at least a freer one."</p> <h2>Creating spaces</h2> <p>A lot happens to make a festival landscape.</p> <p>Teams of staff and volunteers establish campsites, install rows of toilets that often are also composting works of art, build stages, lay kilometres of pipes and power chords and design paths, sculptures and dance floors. </p> <p>These collective labours create a special atmosphere; serve basic needs for sleep, food, hydration, warmth and sanitation; invite journeying to and from; and foster relationships to places and sites via immersive experiences and hands-on engagements with the landscape itself, for itself.</p> <p>Travis, a stage-builder and DJ, told us: "If you use what’s already there, then [the stage] blends in with that whole environment and ties in to how people see it and how people feel in it."</p> <p>Marion, a festival artist, spoke of her desire to show care and respect by creating work that “doesn’t impose and can […] naturally be reabsorbed” into the landscape. </p> <p>She described how all of the rocks for a labyrinth at one event came from the festival site. Once, the sheep who lived there walked through on their usual path – destroying her installation.</p> <h2>Transformative experiences</h2> <p>When people attend festivals, they often attach themselves to the landscape and detach from their daily lives: they are looking for transformative experiences. </p> <p>In lutruwita/Tasmania, festivals such as <a href="https://www.fractangular.com.au/">Fractangular</a> near Buckland and <a href="https://m.facebook.com/panamafestival">PANAMA</a> in the Lone Star Valley take place in more remote parts of the state. </p> <p>Grace, from Hobart, told us that being in those landscapes taps into "something that humans have done forever […] gather around sound and nature and just experience that and feel freedom."</p> <p>Even when festivals are based in urban landscapes, the transformation of these spaces can evoke a sense of freedom. </p> <p>For Ana, a festival organiser, creating thematic costumes is part of her own transformation. </p> <p>At festivals she feels freedom to “wear ‘more out there’ things”.</p> <p>"If I was on the street just on a Wednesday I’d have to [explain my outfit] […] Whereas at a [street] festival[it] flies under the radar."</p> <h2>Body memories</h2> <p>Festival landscapes have features conducive for meeting in place (think open spaces, play spaces, food and drink venues) and for separating out (think fences and signs). </p> <p>Commingling at festivals can literally lead people to bump into each other, reaffirm old bonds and create new connections through shared experiences. </p> <p>One artist, Marion, told us, "When you go and you camp, you get burnt together, you get wet together, you dance together. [It creates] an embrace for me."</p> <p>Festivals often linger in people’s memories, entwined with <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10708-008-9222-0">bodily experiences</a>. People we spoke with talked about hearing birdsong and music, seeing the sun rise and fall over the hills and feeling grass under their dancing feet.</p> <p>While <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0038038514565835">one-off events</a> can be meaningful, revisiting festivals may have an <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1440783318773531">especially powerful effect</a>. </p> <p>Annual festival pilgrimages become cycles of anticipation, immersion and memory-making. This continuing relationship with a landscape also allows festival goers to observe how the environment is changing.</p> <p>As festival organiser Lisa said, "Since 2013 […] every summer our site just got drier and drier. 2020 was the driest year of all. There was no creek. There was just a stagnant puddle."</p> <h2>Writing new stories</h2> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic led organisers and attendees to <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/how-music-festivals-are-surviving-coronavirus-cancellations/a-54374343">rethink engagements with live events</a>. Many were cancelled; some were trialled online. </p> <p>But after seasons of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-17/music-festivals-in-tasmania-after-coronavirus/12462076">cancellations</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/without-visiting-headliners-can-local-artists-save-our-festivals-154830">downscaling</a> and <a href="https://untv.theunconformity.com.au/">online events</a>, some festivals in lutruwita/Tasmania are back, attracting thousands of domestic and interstate visitors. </p> <p>For those festivals that have disappeared, their traces remain in our countless individual and collective stories of the magic of festival landscapes.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/you-get-burnt-together-you-get-wet-together-you-dance-together-how-festivals-transform-lives-and-landscapes-186558" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Art

Son's first dance with mum suffering from motor neurone disease

<p>An emotional wedding video of a wheelchair-bound mother severely affected by motor neurone disease (MND) dancing with her eldest son on his big day has gone viral, with people describing the moment as both heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. </p> <p>Kathy Poirer was watching her eldest son Zak get married in a moving ceremony in their native Florida. </p> <p>Despite being unable to walk, Kathy, with the help of her other two children, was able to dance with her eldest child on his big day. </p> <p>The moment was captured on video and has since gone viral, as Kathy said the dance was a dream come true. </p> <p>“I just really wanted that moment with my son,” Poirer told <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>“There are so many milestones in their life and you look forward to them and I was afraid I wouldn’t have that opportunity."</p> <p>“It truly is an expression of a mother and her son and their love for each other.”</p> <p>Kathy was diagnosed with MND more than three years ago, and has bravely fought the diagnosis and challenged the odds against her ever since.</p> <p>“I prayed every day that I would make it long enough to dance with him, and I fight every day for my life,” she said.</p> <p>Motor neurone disease is a condition that affects the body’s brain and the nerve cells called motor neurones.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/what-is-motor-neurone-disease-mnd" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">MND Australia:</a> “Motor neurones normally carry messages from the brain to the muscles via the spinal cord. The messages allow people to make voluntary movements like walking, swallowing, talking and breathing."</p> <p>There is currently no cure for MND, and the condition is known to drastically reduce life expectancy. </p> <p>Kathy is devoting the rest of her life to bringing awareness to this devastating disease, while encouraging people not to take life for granted. </p> <p>“What I wanted to do was make people aware that this can happen to you in a heartbeat and just live every moment to the fullest - you never know when it’s gonna get taken away,” she said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise</em></p>

Caring

"Let's dance!": Women let loose in support of partying PM

<p>Women all over the world are sharing their support for Finland's partying Prime Minister by sharing videos of themselves dancing online. </p> <p>The Finnish PM, 36-year-old Sanna Marin, made headlines in recent weeks after leaked footage of her dancing at an event with celebrity friends went viral. </p> <p>The videos, which were taken as she danced with friends in two private apartments and then at a nightclub in Helsinki, have led to her being criticised and forced to denounce the use of drugs on her night out. </p> <p>She also was questioned about her alcohol intake on the night in question, and while she denies waking with a hangover or drinking to excess, she said she has as much right to a night out as anyone else, saying, "Everyone needs a fun and relaxed evening out."</p> <p>As the controversy around her party night continues, professional women around the world have been dancing in solidarity, as they stand with the Finnish PM and her right to a night off the top job. </p> <p>A clip shared by the Danish magazine Alt on Instagram showed several women celebrating, with some clubbing or at home to show their support for the Prime Minister. </p> <p>The magazine said they had "leaked" their own dancing videos online, in reference to the video of the prime minister, which was leaked last week. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChcBl-LqcRH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChcBl-LqcRH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ALT for damerne (@altfordamerne)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"SYMPATHY LEAK! In solidarity with Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin (whose party video has been leaked, so that certain types are now questioning what one can allow themselves to do as Prime Minister)," the post's caption read. </p> <p>"We at ALT for the ladies' editorial office have emptied the camera roll of clips that should never have seen the light of day."</p> <p>"And no, you don't become a worse prime minister, director, school teacher...put in a job yourself...by firing it up on the dance floor at the weekend."</p> <p>Others have been posting messages of support with the hashtags #solidaritywithsanna and #istandwithsanna. </p> <p>Comments of support have flooded online spaces, with one woman saying, "I say ALL women across the world need to post videos of themselves dancing and partying with friends!! Let’s blow up the internet women!!"</p> <p>Another said, "Let’s show those with a “crotchety old men mentality” that they can stick it where the sun don’t shine!!!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Dancing can protect you against dementia

<p>Dance is a winner for both your mind and your body. It’s a great way to improve the condition of your heart and lungs, helps with muscle strength, endurance and motor fitness, and creates stronger bones, reducing your risk of osteoporosis. The best thing about dancing is that it’s a great all-over body work-out that’s fun! You won’t even feel like you’re exercising because you’ll be too busy boogying away.</p> <p>A landmark 21-year study by the US Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that the only physical activity to offer protection against dementia was frequent dancing! Whether its regular ballroom or belly dancing classes, dancing scored higher (76 per cent) when compared with reading (35 per cent) and doing crossword puzzles (47 per cent) as the best activity to protect against dementia, when done four days a week</p> <p>The other great thing about dancing is that it’s social. There are dance classes all around the country that offer lessons designed for those in their 50s and 60s, as well as clubs and associations for people who love to dance in a social and fun atmosphere. To get you up and dancing the night away, try one of these four fun dance exercises:</p> <p><strong>Feel graceful</strong></p> <p>If you and your partner are looking to get fit and active together, why not try ballroom dancing? This low-impact cardio exercise involves a number of partner dancing styles, such as the waltz, swing, foxtrot, rumba and tango, and on top of being fun, you look great doing it! It’s elegant and graceful, and unlike other dance styles offers both fast and slow variations. This is perfect for those who want to take it slow at first, before ramping up into a quick foxtrot. According to University of Sydney researchers, twice weekly ballroom dancing classes can bring back the balance and strength needed to prevent falls for over-60s. The study, led by the university’s Dr Dafna Merom, found that formal exercise programs, particularly those that include balance challenging training, can help prevent the incidence of falls by as much as 37 per cent. Grab your partner, join a class and have fun!</p> <p><strong>Move your midsection</strong></p> <p>While many dance styles require participants to start at a young age, belly dancing can be done by anyone. It’s a performance art that originated in the Middle East and has proven popular among women over the age of 60; but there’s nothing stopping the blokes from giving it a go either! The soft, gentle undulations involved won’t impact your joints and can help you get in touch with your body as it makes you focus on the movement of a part of your body that’s generally stationary. Like most dance styles, it’s a great cardiovascular work-out and helps ward off osteoporosis. Belly dancing classes can be found in almost all states and territories, with some regional centres and community centres also offering classes specifically for over-60s.</p> <p><strong>Kick up those heels</strong></p> <p>Easy, fun and perfect for everyone, we’ve got to be talking about line dancing. Take the "work" out of "workout" with this fun and energising dance activity that people of any fitness level can enjoy. Most of the moves are quite simple once you get the hang of things and is perfect for over-60s who have had hip or knee replacements, or any other type of movement limitation, but who need to keep their bodies in good working order. Line dancing also provides a good workout for your memory as you try to replicate the moves and steps you learnt in the previous class. In saying that, the routines are relatively easy to follow and remember, so you’ll be boot scooting in no time!</p> <p><strong>Strengthen your calves like Fred Astaire</strong></p> <p>Who can forget some of the tap dancing routines US actor and dancer Fred Astaire did with a bevy of beauties, including Ginger Rogers and Eleanor Powell? Beautiful, energetic and, most importantly, fun! It’s perfect for your heart health and will help strengthen and tone your ankles, calves, legs, hips and buttocks, not to mention its healthy stimulation of your mind by increasing cognitive ability and muscle memory. One of the best things about tap dancing is that it’s relaxed – remember Fred and Ginger? Not a care in the world when they were midway through a dance routine. There are tap dancing classes around Australia, so check with your local community centre or head online for a class near you.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

Mother with ASL stands to dance with son at wedding

<p dir="ltr">A wheelchair-bound mother has given her son an incredible wedding memory after standing up and dancing with him. </p> <p dir="ltr">Zak Poirier shared a heartwarming video of his mother Kathy, who has ASL, being held up by her other sons Nick and Jake to dance with him at his wedding.</p> <p dir="ltr">An emotional Kathy was wheeled to the dancefloor where Zak whispered something to her and she nodded.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was then lifted from her seat and grabbed onto her son as they danced to “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw in front of a crowd of about 130 guests at Ever After Farms Blueberry Wedding Barn in Mims, Florida. </p> <p dir="ltr">Zak shared the footage to his Instagram and it has received almost 59,000 views since it was posted on April 29. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cc6VH54obVf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cc6VH54obVf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Zak Poirier (@z_poirier)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“We had planned it. The actual dance itself was spontaneous,” Zak Poirier told Fox News Digital.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were both pretty adamant that we wanted to share a dance regardless of how long it was. By the time we got up there, we weren’t really sure how it would work — but it went perfectly, and it was great.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Kathy said she was extremely nervous to have people watch her being helped but knew it was something she would do for her son. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s that this was such a milestone in one of my kids’ lives, and it wasn’t what I had envisioned,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was really emotional to have to accept the fact that I can’t stand or use my hands. And that people would be watching me. And I felt like I was going to be judged. But I knew I wanted to do it, and I wasn’t going to let anybody tell me I couldn’t.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But to be in the arms of all three of my sons was just beautiful. It just made me feel strong.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When the song was over, the pair received a standing ovation from the crowd. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

"A true dance of love”: Cameron Daddo and Alison Brahe mark major milestone

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aussie stars Cameron Daddo and Alison Brahe have celebrated three decades of marriage in the sweetest way imaginable - by going back to where it all began.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The couple enjoyed a romantic stay at the Park Hyatt in Sydney, where they celebrated their wedding day in 1991.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Daddo, 56, also shared a touching post documenting their stay on Instagram, including a snap of the pair laying in bed with a framed photo taken on their wedding day.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXMvFGgPphp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXMvFGgPphp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cameron Daddo (@camerondaddo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Waking up 30yrs married and messing around trying to do a “cool shot” to say thank you 🙏 to the @parkhyattsydney for leaving this pic of us taken 30yrs ago with a bottle of champers,” the former </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Home and Away</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star captioned the photo.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was a fun, kind and thoughtful gesture that we really appreciated. PS it was also brilliant to revisit the place we spent 5hrs at 30yrs ago and finally really enjoy the majesty of the hotel and location. #notapaidadvertisement.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Daddo also shared a series of throwback photos on the eve of their anniversary, writing, “30 years of ups, downs and roundabouts… oceans apart and together. A true dance of love”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I knew from our …second date that I wanted to spend my life with you and I am so grateful you’ve chosen to hang in there with me and ride the see-saw of life.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXK0BxBvWQn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXK0BxBvWQn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cameron Daddo (@camerondaddo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I stopped counting how many homes we’ve lived in when it reached a dozen and I reckon we’ve done really well to grow 3 amazing kids… and through it all, you still have the sharpest wit, the biggest and kindest heart and best laugh of anyone I know.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’ve kindled the fire, burned it, stoked it back up many times, ours is a love that goes deep… and I am so grateful for your grit and love in all its forms.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He ended his lengthy tribute on a joking note and with a simple declaration of his feelings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Also, it was me that took your phone charger this morning 😞 but I did take the recyclables out… again,” he wrote. “You know it’s the little gestures. 💗 I love you 🙌</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">🥂</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">💗.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Daddo’s co-stars commented with their congratulations and well wishes, including Rebecca Gibney, Georgie Parker, and television presenter Melissa Doyle.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Happy anniversary you two. Lots of love 💗💗💗,” Parker wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Happy Anniversary you two!! 💗💗👏👏👏,” the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Packed to the Rafters</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star shared.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Happy anniversary you two! Love love love 💗,” Doyle added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Daddo and Brahe were married in 1991, after dating for just three months.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They share three children, Lotus, 24, River, 20, and Bodhi, 14.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @camerondaddo (Instagram)</span></em></p>

Relationships

Study finds dancing to music can slow progression of Parkinson’s disease

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 49, J.M. Tolani’s life was thrown upside down. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He had to quit his job as a photojournalist and learn to cope with a new physical and emotional struggle. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I felt as though I had been hit by a truck. Everything felt like it came to a standstill. My life was altogether changed,” he said to WebMD.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He was then introduced to a unique program called Dance for PD, which was recommended to him by a member of a support group he attended.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dance for PD is a specialised dance program for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families, friends, and care partners.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The company was founded in 2001, with program director David Leventhal saying the program is designed to inspire.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[I] wanted to commit energy and time to working with people with Parkinson’s and sharing what we had learned with teaching artists around the world,” he says.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After attending classes, Tolani felt his condition, and his emotional state, improve drastically.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I found I could move, and the dancing seemed to provide a replacement for the dopamine lost in the brain. Dancing motivates me and makes me happy, flexible, and mobile,” Tolani says.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tolani’s claims have been backed up by scientific research that shows individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson’s had the progression of the disease slowed down by participating in regular dancing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Senior investigator Joseph DeSouza PhD said, “The classes were very beneficial for these individuals with PD, and we know that dance activates brain areas, even in people without PD.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following an in-depth study, research showed that those with a mild condition who danced for an hour per week had a slower loss of their motor neuron function to those who didn’t. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tolani was able to return to his passion for photography, as he continues to move to the beat. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I take three to four classes a week, and they allow me to get out and meet people and interact with them. They put me in a good, positive state of mind,” he says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I wake up and look forward to enjoying myself, and dancing with others in the Parkinson’s community, where I feel I’m allowed to completely be myself.”</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Music

Bride dislocates her knee during first dance

<div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Julie Benn and Paul Richter were forced to postpone their wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic but walked down the aisle on July 3rd.</p> <p>Unfortunately, their wedding wasn't without a massive hitch as the two took to the dance floor for their first dance.</p> <p>A TikTok video posted by Richter's sister Liz showed the awful turn the first dance took as the bride, Julie, dislocated her knee in a freak accident.</p> <p>“(They‘re) holding my knee in place, supporting it, and it was blinding, searing pain,” she told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/human-interest/bride-dislocates-knee-during-first-dance-returns-reception-after-hospital/" target="_blank"><em>People</em></a>.</p> <p>“I have a lot of respect for athletes who play through their injuries. I never dislocated a knee. I broke a bone when I was a kid, but nothing else. So it was shocking, disbelief.”</p> <p>She was rushed to the hospital on her wedding day, where it was confirmed by doctors that she had dislocated her knee.</p> <p>She decided to return to the wedding after being discharged at 10:30 pm.</p> <p>“I felt like a professional athlete for a second. I got out of the car and there are people taking pictures,” Mr Richter told<em><span> </span>People</em><span> </span>of the moment they returned to their wedding. “I‘m like, ’This is how they feel. I get it now.’”</p> <p>On TikTok viewers labelled the wedding incident “so crazy” and said Ms Benn needed a first dance “re-do”.</p> </div>

Relationships

Fan favourite takes out Dancing With The Stars again

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luke Jacobz has claimed his second Dancing With The Stars mirror ball trophy after winning the show’s all-star celebrity season.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Going up against former soap star Bec Hewitt, Jacobz and professional dance partner Jorja Freeman won the grand final.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COEW5cHhMaV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COEW5cHhMaV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luke Jacobz (@lukejacobz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier in the episode Kyly Clarke, Lincoln Lewis, Ada Nicodemou, and Manu Feildel were kicked off.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“To win is honestly the greatest achievement of my life,” Jacobz told AAA.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have never wanted something so much in my life.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The now 40-year-old dedicated his win and the $20,000 cash prize to the Charlie Teo Foundation, a charity that funds brain cancer research.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">He came... and he conquered the Ballroom once again! A big congratulations to Luke Jacobz and his incredible partner Jorja. 🙌✨ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DancingAU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DancingAU</a> <a href="https://t.co/UYc0sK6qp3">pic.twitter.com/UYc0sK6qp3</a></p> — #DancingAU (@DancingAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DancingAU/status/1386269226093084672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Home and Away actor, whose real name is Luke Jacob Ashwood, won his first trophy in 2008 with his partner Luda Kroiter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year’s season saw celebrity contestants return to the competition, including Tom Williams, Fifi Box, Jamie Durie, and wildcard contestants Schapelle Corby, Renee Bargh, Matty J, Jessicca Gomes, and Erin McNaught.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the announcement of his win, Jacobz said, “Thank you for asking me to come back, when I did this show in 2008, I was always like if they do another one and ask people back, I want to have a go at it, because I really enjoyed it last time.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m so grateful to be partnered with Jorja, she works so incredibly hard, her passion and love for dancing is so inspiring.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN7ZiGGBCEU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN7ZiGGBCEU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luke Jacobz (@lukejacobz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With his win, Jacobz is hoping more opportunities will come up to follow his passion for performing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I really hope that winning can open doors for me to perform on a live stage,” he said. “To tour with other dancers or to be part of a production would be a dream come true. Next is unwritten … but I am hungry for more so, if the opportunity arises, I will be there to take it but I am a duo so Jorja is coming with me.”</span></p>

Music

Over-60s make the leap to virtual “Feisty Feet” dance classes

<p><span><a href="https://nzdc.org.nz/education/feisty-feet">Feisty Feet</a></span> is an over 60s seniors dance class created and facilitated by The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC), which brings together the wisdom keepers of our communities to express and enjoy themselves through dance.</p> <p>Feisty Feet classes, certified by the <a href="https://www.livestronger.org.nz/">Live Stronger for Longer</a> intiative, are held weekly at two Auckland locations in Takapuna and Point Chevalier, but can now also be accessed from anywhere across New Zealand through a weekly Virtual Class.</p> <p>NZDC tutor <a href="https://nzdc.org.nz/our-team/kerry-ann-stanton">Kerry-Ann Stanton</a>, who manages the class in Pt. Chevalier, has been teaching and developing Feisty Feet from its inception in 2016. Kerry-Ann says, “I enjoy bringing the joys of movement to people in their older age. Dance has been shown to have a positive influence on people, such as a reduced risk of dementia, reduced stress and depression, providing increased energy and serotonin. These classes are fun, inclusive of all cultures and are a great way to make new friends.”</p> <p>Like most activities in 2020, Feisty Feet was affected by COVID-19, but in a positive way. The disappointment regular class-goers expressed about missing their weekly class during lockdown inspired NZDC to move Feisty Feet online. The Company wanted to stay connected with its seniors dance community from the safety of their homes as a means of combatting loneliness during the isolation period and supporting physical and mental wellbeing.</p> <p><span><a href="https://nzdc.org.nz/our-team/carlene-newall-de-jesus">Carlene Newall de Jesus</a></span>, a community dance advocate, specialist, and lecturer at the University of Auckland is also a core facilitator for Feisty Feet, developing and teaching NZDC’s Takapuna class. She reflects,“The transition to virtual classes was surprisingly smooth. After initially worrying that being together across our screens would be too removed and distanced, it became clear that even in this digital space, physical exploration and connection was still possible. As the virtual classes developed I began to appreciate homes spaces as dancing places and found ways to allow individual contribution even in the digital space.”</p> <p>Survey feedback from class participants also showcased that the benefits of a Feisty Feet class were not lost when moving to an online class.</p> <p>One participant shares, “Although I've never attended a dance class before, learning flowing movements and practising coordination, balance and memory and enjoying the friendly faces of other participants and the encouragement of the tutors got me moving and made me feel content in myself.”</p> <p>Another participant enjoyed the “extra physical movement, using whole body and the associated wellbeing and inspiration and pleasure of communication and meeting new dancers as well as learning new IT skills.”</p> <p>An additional participant reflected how it was “easy to access, no embarassment as on [your] own and no time lost in transportation”</p> <p>Carlene encapsulates the intention of Feisty Feet classes and the desire at NZDC to continue to offer the online class alongside in-person classes: “I believe dance offers a unique combination of exercise, creativity, cognition and socialisation that can be beneficial for older bodies, brains and general wellbeing. The digital platform allows older adults who may not have access to appropriate dance classes in their region, or who are unable to travel to classes, a chance to dance, move and express. Aotearoa is made up of more than just large cities and I am excited to see what sense of community can develop across older New Zealanders from diverse towns and regions.”</p> <p>More Information: <span><a href="https://nzdc.org.nz/education/feisty-feet">nzdc.org.nz/education/feisty-feet</a></span></p> <p><strong>VIRTUAL</strong></p> <p><strong>WHERE</strong>: Online through Zoom</p> <p><strong>WHEN</strong>: Every Friday 9-10am</p> <p><strong>TUTOR</strong>: Carlene Newall de Jesus</p> <p><strong>COST</strong>: $10 per session. Register ahead of class here: <span><a href="https://bit.ly/virtualfeistyfeet">https://bit.ly/virtualfeistyfeet</a></span></p> <p><strong>TAKAPUNA</strong></p> <p><strong>WHERE:</strong> St Peters Anglican Church, 11 Killarney Street, Takapuna</p> <p><strong>WHEN:</strong> Every Wednesday 10-11am until 16 December 2020</p> <p><strong>TUTOR:</strong> Carlene Newall de Jesus</p> <p><strong>COST:</strong> $10 per session or $90 for 10 sessions. Pay in person before class with cash.</p> <p><strong>POINT CHEVALIER</strong></p> <p><strong>WHERE</strong>: Subud Hall, 19 Formby Rd, Pt Chevalier</p> <p><strong>WHEN</strong>: Every Wednesday 11am-noon until 16 December 2020</p> <p><strong>TUTOR</strong>: Kerry-Anny Stanton</p> <p><strong>COST</strong>: $10 per session or $90 for 10 sessions. Pay in person before class with cash.</p> <p>Photos by Caroline Bindon and Ashley David.</p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

Little boy dances for joy at seeing rain for the first time

<p>A little boy who has never seen rain in his life has spent the morning watching on in joy and dancing in mud puddles after a downpour hit his family’s farm in NSW.</p> <p>The 18-month-old’s mum shared a video of him running around their property in Scone, saying “wow!” as he tried to figure out what was going on.</p> <p>“Our boy just couldn’t contain his excitement,” his mother Tiffanie McKenzie wrote on Facebook.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9NewsSydney%2Fvideos%2F2808990652495370%2F&show_text=0&width=476" width="476" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>He can be seen dancing around as the mud puddles around his feet.</p> <p>Others from drought affected areas are thrilled about the long-awaited rain.</p> <p>Green Valley Farm in Tingha, NSW, has been drenched as the area has been hit with 75 mls of rain.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstephanie.stewarthickman%2Fposts%2F2634482036630810&width=500" width="500" height="624" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>Mudgee also received a lot of rain and Katoomba near the NSW Blue Mountains has had rain create a mist over the mountain tops.</p> <p>The NSW SES has urged residents in fire-affected areas, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-rain-little-boy-dances-in-rain-for-the-first-time-scone/75f2492c-d24e-4988-80e6-095fa7fddbb8?ocid=Social-9News" target="_blank">9News</a></em>, to take care as there is now a risk of flash flooding, falling trees and landslides as wet weather impacts the fire grounds.<span> </span></p>

Family & Pets

“Dancing was my secret weapon in managing diabetes!”

<p>Dubbed the ‘Silent Pandemic’ of our times, type 2 diabetes is a huge health issue in our country – and around the world. So many have it, but don’t realise it. Currently, 1 in 4 adults are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes – with the largest proportion of Australians with type 2 diabetes in the 50-79 age bracket according to the National Diabetes Service Scheme.</p> <p>The good news is, diabetes can be managed – if you educate yourself, take steps to change your diet and shoehorn more activity into your day. Here’s how Yvonne Appleby, ambassador for Diabetes NSW / ACT, changed her life after being diagnosed with type 2 in 2011.</p> <p>“I was ill on and off for a long time before I discovered I had type 2 diabetes. I kept getting sore throats, and earaches, and I gained 20 kilos over 4 years, which was significant as I’d been a size 8-10 most of my life. I was getting really bad headaches and migraines and I felt something wasn’t right.</p> <p>“One early blood test showed my blood glucose levels were a bit high, but my GP just said if I dieted and exercised it would go down. I know now that I was pre-diabetic then, but I trusted my doctor. She did ask if I was peeing a lot or thirsty all the time and I wasn’t, so she told me ‘it couldn’t be diabetes’. It didn’t occur to me to get a second opinion. I just assumed she knew what she was talking about.</p> <p> “Finally I couldn’t handle being so unwell anymore and asked for another blood test. It then showed up that I had type 2 diabetes and at that point I had been sick on and off for 6 or 7 years. I know now that not everyone gets typical symptoms. Some people have zero symptoms. If I had my time again, I wouldn’t have left it so long. I would’ve gotten a second opinion, or changed doctors (I have now). I know you can take steps to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>“When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know much about diabetes. I’d heard the horror stories, but I didn’t know it was common in the older age group – like 50 and over. And my doctor wasn’t a lot of help. She just said, ‘You’ve got diabetes, go to the chemist and get a blood glucose monitor’. I also went on Metformin and as soon as I was on that, I started feeling better within three days.</p> <p>“At first, I had no idea what I was doing. I was testing my glucose levels for about a week thinking, ‘I’m writing all these numbers down but what do they mean? Are they low? High? Normal?’ I remember one time my sugar dropped to 4.3mmol and I panicked and started eating nuts and it just went lower. I rang the Diabetes NSW customer care line and they said, ‘Oh no. Nuts will just lower your glucose levels – you need a bit of orange juice or some lollies to bring it back up’. It was all very trial and error getting to know what worked for me. I was lucky to know a lady who works at Diabetes NSW and I rang her and told her I’d just been diagnosed. She asked me to come in and talk to someone.</p> <p>“I did an 8-week education course there, which was hugely helpful. We had an exercise physiologist, a dietitian and a diabetes educator talk to us. They taught us how to read nutritional panels, which is something I never did before. We had to put cereal boxes in a line according to how much sugar they had in them and Nutrigrain was something like 46 per cent sugar! That’s really stuck with me.</p> <p>“My diet before was bad. Lots of sugar. Now, I make much more sensible choices. Lots of vegies and swaps to low-GI foods. I’ve totally changed how I think about food. I no longer skip meals either, which I’d had a tendency to do.</p> <p>“I also took up dancing and at one stage I was dancing 9-10 hours a week, doing rock’n’roll and Latin dance. I became an assistant dance teacher and I lost 15kg just from dancing and eating well. I even got to dance with Robbie Kmetoni, former winner of <em>So You Think You Can Dance Australia</em>, for the Move4Diabetes campaign. Two years after being diagnosed, my sugars were stable, I was the fittest I’d ever been and I was even off my meds. My doctor was very pleased.</p> <p> “I’ve had some health problems since including a serious respiratory infection and some knee issues. As a result I’ve been on steroids and haven’t been able to exercise as much, but my HbA1c levels were still that of a non-diabetic person – around 5.5mmol when I was last tested. When I was diagnosed they were 9mmol! I’m back on the meds to keep my glucose levels stable, but when I’m better I’ll be getting back into dancing and getting back on track.</p> <p>“My advice to anyone who’s newly diagnosed is to go to the Diabetes NSW and ACT webpage. Ring the customer care line. They saved my skin a lot of times because I had no idea where to turn. They also have amazing recipes and advice. You can ask questions and talk to an expert. I also think it’s important for everyone to get routinely tested because there are so many people out there with diabetes who don’t know they have it. If you have prediabetes, losing just 10 percent of your body weight can stop you developing type 2 diabetes. So early diagnosis is really important.”</p> <p><em>Written by Rachel Smith. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/secret-weapon-in-managing-diabetes.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Retirement Life

This will warm your heart: The truth behind Prince William and Kate's "dancing" photo

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were captured in an incredibly rare moment – and royal fans have gone wild over it.</p> <p>A new picture of the royal couple from those who attended an event at Buckingham Palace shows what appears to be Duchess Kate and Prince William dancing.</p> <p>The garden party earlier this week has revealed a sweet moment between the two, but the real story is just as adorable.</p> <p>The rare picture shows Prince William wearing a top hat and holding an umbrella, while Duchess Kate is flashing her husband a dazzling smile in her <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/english-rose-duchess-kates-flawless-style-pretty-in-pink" target="_blank">gorgeous summery outfit</a> and holding his hand.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7827233/kate-william2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dd03ac6963614b03bf8b31156ac0c300" /></p> <p>The moment certainly caught they eyes of those at the special event, and Lucy Stafford, the one who took the happy snap, told <em>Hello!</em> she was overjoyed to have seen them.</p> <p>“As they were leaving the party, Kate was spending a lot of time talking to the guests and William had to hurry her along, which is the moment the photo was taken.</p> <p>“I feel so fortunate to have attended the party and will definitely never forget it!”</p> <p>Writing to Instagram, Lucy shared intimate details she had with the Queen – a moment we doubt she will ever forget.</p> <p>“We had the most delicious afternoon tea in the gardens and even finished the day by meeting the Queen (who told us about how a cricket ball almost killed her in 1994) and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,” the caption read.</p> <p>She continued: “Can’t quite believe it all really happened!”</p> <p>The cricket ball thankfully was caught at the last minute as it flew towards her Majesty’s head, and she has lived to tell the tale.</p>

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This will warm your heart: The truth behind Prince William and Kate's "dancing" photo