Music and movement for older people in Bunbury.
Gentle, joyful classes where everyone moves at their own pace, seated or standing. For people living with memory loss, dementia or reduced mobility, and the people who love them.
No dance experience needed. Carers welcome.
Classes
Join a class
Small, friendly groups with music people know. Nothing to remember and nothing to get right. In Bunbury, and Mel can bring a session to your group.
Free for families
Free help, any time
Ask a question and get a plain-English answer from published research, with sources. Plus guides, printable sheets, a playlist builder and local support.
What happens in a class
Every session follows the same gentle shape, from Mel’s own way of working.
Welcome
A relaxed start. Mel welcomes everyone individually and introduces the theme.
Connect
A familiar song to help everyone settle, and time to chat.
Move
Gentle movement suitable for everyone, with seated and standing options.
Remember
Music and conversation that bring back stories, with time to share them.
Celebrate
Every contribution counts. Everyone leaves feeling they did well.
Close
A familiar song to finish, and a warm goodbye until next time.
Why music and movement
Music that matters
Songs people know and love. Research suggests structured music sessions may ease low mood a little for people living with dementia.
Company
A friendly group to belong to. Studies of dance for older people often report people feeling less alone.
Gentle movement
Moving joints, posture and breathing, at each person’s own pace, seated or standing.
Active and social
Staying active and social is recognised by experts as part of looking after brain health.
These are what the research suggests, not promises for any one person. See the evidence.
Who comes along
- People living with dementia or memory changes, at any stage they can enjoy music.
- Older people who want to keep moving and keep their social life going.
- People living with Parkinson’s, arthritis or recovering after a stroke, with their doctor’s okay.
- Carers, partners and family, who are welcome to join in rather than wait outside.
- Aged care homes, retirement villages and day centres booking a class for a group.
What the research says
For people living with dementia, the clearest finding is about mood: a 2025 Cochrane review found structured music sessions probably ease depressive symptoms a little. Studies of dance for older people often report better well-being, including feeling less alone. Staying active and social is also recognised as good for brain health.
The research has limits too. It does not show that classes like ours treat or slow dementia, and we say so.
Free guides for families
Short, plain-English guides with checked Australian sources and the phone lines that can help.
Noticing memory changes: when to see the GP
Everyone forgets things now and then. But if memory changes start to get in the way of everyday life, it is worth seeing the GP, and the sooner the better.
Read the guide about Noticing memory changes: when to see the GPAfter a dementia diagnosis: the first few months
A dementia diagnosis can turn life upside down. You do not have to sort everything out at once. Take one step at a time, and know that free help is there for both of you.
Read the guide about After a dementia diagnosis: the first few monthsGetting help at home: My Aged Care and Support at Home
If an older family member needs a hand to keep living safely at home, the first step is My Aged Care. Here is how it works.
Read the guide about Getting help at home: My Aged Care and Support at HomeLooking after yourself as a carer
Caring for someone you love can mean a lot, but it is also hard work. Looking after yourself is not selfish. It helps you keep going, and it helps the person you care for too.
Read the guide about Looking after yourself as a carerRespite care explained
Respite care means someone else looks after the person you care for while you have a break. It might be a few hours, a day or a few weeks. Taking a break is normal and healthy.
Read the guide about Respite care explainedLoneliness in later life: small steps that help
Loneliness is common, and it is nobody's fault. Small, regular steps can make a real difference, for the person you care about and for you.
Read the guide about Loneliness in later life: small steps that helpStaying steady: reducing the risk of falls at home
Falls are common as we get older, but they are not a normal part of ageing, and many can be prevented. Here is what helps, and what to do if a fall happens.
Read the guide about Staying steady: reducing the risk of falls at homeUsing music at home with someone living with dementia
Music can reach people living with dementia in a special way. A favourite song can bring a smile, a memory or a chance to sing together. You do not need to be musical to share it.
Read the guide about Using music at home with someone living with dementia
Run by Melissa Damiani
“I believe every person deserves opportunities to smile, laugh, move, remember, connect, belong and feel valued. Regardless of age. Regardless of diagnosis. Regardless of circumstance.”
Come and try a class.
Send Mel a message and she will tell you where and when the next class is.