‘Our experience is valued’: workshops for care home residents inspire new forms of dance

Choreographer Aakash Odedra explains how the movements and stories of older people in Leicester are informing Mehek, his collaboration with Aditi MangaldasAround 60 people are chatting and laughing together in a community hall in Belgrave, Leicester. Then Bollywood music begins to play and everyone turns their focus to instructors Jayna Patel and Laura Bryan, who lead from the stage. With bodies swaying, arms fluttering, the group loosen up in readiness for an hour of joyful dancing rooted in st