Bromsgrove care home hosts a magical surprise for 96-year-old ballet enthusiast

A 96-year-old care home resident was given a showstopping surprise when a local ballet group arrived at her care home.

When ballet enthusiast, Thelma Parker, a resident at Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, told her care team her greatest wish was to see a ballet performance up close once again, they immediately pirouetted into action to make her wish come true.

With the spirit of Christmas magic already in the air at Chandler Court, Thelma was delighted when ballet group, Spirals Dance and Performance Academy, pliéd and pirouetted their way into the home for a special show, performing three of Thelma’s favourite ballet pieces.

Joining Thelma for the surprise performance was her close friend, Dorothy Richardson, who has also long admired this style of dance and would often see ballet performed live in the theatre. Spirals Dance and Performance Academy are linked with Dorothy’s niece, Justine, who helped organise the special event with the team at Chandler Court. 

Commenting on the afternoon, Thelma said: “The performers were so wonderful – they were so graceful with their movements. I really enjoyed it!” 

The visit was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Tina Lilly, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: “Christmas has certainly come early this year for Thelma! We all enjoyed a wonderful ballet performance from the Spirals Dance and Performance Academy and are thrilled we were able to make this special event happen for lifelong dance lover Thelma. 

“Here at Chandler Court, we are passionate about helping residents’ dreams come true, whether that be welcoming furry friends into the home or a performance from young ballerinas.

“It was lovely to welcome all of these young dancers into the home, and seeing the smile on Thelma’s face made it all worth it – thank you again Spirals Dance and Performance Academy. It was a fantastic day that we will all remember for a long time.”

Chandler Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.