OAPs have been getting down and funky at sit-down hip-hop dance classes.

On Saturday mornings people living at Woodland Grove in Loughton's Rectory Lane have been taking part in the unique seated dance class run by instructor Charlie Blair.

The 24-year-old from Walthamstow teaches arm and foot patterns and encourages residents to form jam circles, all to the pounding beats of rising Essex musicians and hip hop legends Tupac and Nas.

“To me, hip hop is an obvious choice to teach to older people,” she said.

“It’s a dance style that’s very accessible as it encourages individuality and embraces difference.

“People can train as professional hip hop dancers much later in life compared to classical styles such as ballet.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

As part of the classes, members are encouraged to show their dance moves off to the rest of the group.

Regular attendee 91-year-old Chris Nickerson has embraced the new activity.

“I love dance, that’s how I met my husband,” she said.

“This isn’t exactly what I’m used to, but it’s such good fun learning, and doing something different to what I’m used to. And some of the music I really like,”

Home manager of Woodland Grove, Hazel McGwyne, has also noticed the level of confidence developed from the music classes.

“It’s great to see how their confidence has grown over the weeks they’ve been attending these classes.” she said.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The care home is has been praised for offering diverse activities for pensioners, both mentally and physically to help prevent isolation and depression.

Charlie, who runs her own dance company, The Blair Academy, one day hopes to form an older people’s dance group.

“New Zealand has ‘The Hip Hop-eration’ whose average age is 80 and many members have dementia, she explained.

“They performed at the World Hip Hop Championships so if they can do it, why can’t we.”