CRRC residents enjoy performance

In a packed room, the dancers moved with grace and poise. Showing the audience all their hard work has paid off with a wonderful performance.

Friday night at the Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center, CRRC residents, parents and others enjoyed several performances from Elite Dance.

This event took place in the multipurpose room, which was nearly filled to capacity. However, this did not stop the dancers from putting on great performances and the audience enjoying them.

"It brings some variety into their day," activities coordinator Kelly Williams said. "We may offer different activities, but they always look forward to the community events. Especially the youth."

At one point, a couple of the CRRC residents were moving their arms to the beat of the music the dancers were performing to. Others were smiling and waving at the children who were dancing. At the end of the performance, the entire audience, including the CRRC residents, clapped loudly.

"They love watching the kids and seeing what they can do," Williams said. "Many of them have grandkids or know someone with kids in the activities."

These are exactly the types of programs the center likes to host for the residents. Both parties involved benefit from programs like this. For the residents, they have a chance to see talented children perform, which is something they enjoy. For the children, it is an opportunity to practice their dances in front of a large crowd, and a way to prepare for upcoming dance recitals.

The dance groups will usually come in the spring and in the fall, Williams said. Sometimes the dance group will come at two different times so the residents don't get too tired from sitting there for too long.

Since Elite Dance is such a large program, two groups visited the CRRC two Fridays in a row. This gave all of the dancers a chance perform and all of the residents a chance to see the performances.

"We will have people who have been involved with the outside activity coming in and asking what else they can do for or with the residents," Williams said.

"It also shows that we are still here and we are still strong."