DANCING
When someone describes what Line dance achieves, they often refer to the generosity of
dancers spirit. Bill McKechnie is no stranger to our pages and has once again, found a new
way of inspiring us through his love of dance.
ill McKechnie (aka Wild Bill) would stare into a blank space far away or few hands movements and music make a
is a great example of what a look at the ground, while others welcomed difference for them, then I am happy to
Line dancer is all about. Apart me and gave every inch of their will to follow do that.”
from his popular classes, Bill my instructions.” He adds: “I can’t tell
has always ensured that Line dance is truly you what a smile does to me, I don’t need Some of the homes have already reacted
a pastime for everyone. Some years ago, anything else, just a moment of joy on a face with immense enthusiasm.
He was one of the fi rst to recognize the is thanks enough.”
importance of wheelchair dancing and has Tai Chew, the director of Kilsby House
worked tirelessly to help dancers get on How does he adapt dances? Bill explains: recently wrote to Bill. “We have so much
dance fl oors everywhere. “Not always the simplest of tasks really. I have laughter and fun during your visits, the
some set routines for dances but more often residents talk about the experience for days
Bill is also a writer, a poet and his soul and than not, it does not work out. It is virtually afterwards.” And Sam from the Arden House
heart are big enough to keep searching on impossible to transfer a foot movement to a Residential Care Home was equally laudatory
how to make a difference to those lucky hand, so there is an element of adaptation in “As you can imagine we offer a wide variety
enough to live, in his community. For him, every session I lead.” However he explains of activities in the home but armchair Line
everyone in life no matter their ability or age, how “arm dancing” can be achieved. dancing is always one of the most popular.”
should be able to dance.
“It’s not rocket science. Imagine that fi ngers Bill is a true Line dancer, a man with a huge
He felt he could do something positive for are toes, the wrist of the hand is the heel and generosity of mind and heart, someone who
the elderly and in true Bill style, he began to slapping your leg or clapping your hands is a always fi nds time despite a busy lifestyle to
introduce armchair dancing to those who may stomp and you are almost there!” he laughs. help others, especially the ones that society
not be able to stand for long period of times if sometimes conveniently chooses to forget.
at all, but whose hearts are still dancing. Bill is quite clear as to why he started this And by introducing armchair dancing to
work. “My main objective is to get as many more and more people, Bill continues his
He says: “When I started to visit homes, I elderly people involved instead of them work by making a true difference in his
realised residents were all so different. Some staring at a black hole. If it means that a own community.
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