Old Spanish Days dancers bring performance to seniors with cognitive conditions in Montecito
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Old Spanish Days Fiesta can be a special experience for many.
But not everyone can make it to the festivities.
So Fiesta dancers are bringing their performance to seniors living with cognitive conditions at the Friendship Center in Montecito.
During the showcase, it was hard to tell who’s having the most fun.
The seniors or the dancers.
"They’re just absolutely fantastic," said member Ray Ogella of the Friendship Centr.
Not all members of the Friendship Center are able to get to the old Spanish days fiesta in downtown Santa Barbara,Â
So the young dancers from Alma de Mexico folklorico brought their showcase to them.
“In my dreams, dreams to come I don’t think I’ve ever seen such young people dancing in such a perfect way," said member Nick Narang of the Friendship Center.
“It means a lot all these beautiful girls dancing, and all of us here at the senior center can enjoy it," said member Sue Bruns of the Friendship Center.
“It’s going amazing all the members love seeing all the little kids dance and just seeing their smiles on their faces makes everything so much better," said program manager Nerely Delgado of the Friendship Center.
The nonprofit organization along with the dancers want to keep seniors in need feel included during this weeks festivities.
"I think it’s very like good so they can like learn some of our traditional dances," said dancer Maddie Jaimes of Alma de Mexico Folklorico.
"I think we help them enjoy it and we we are happy dancing for them so I believe they could be happy dancing," said dancer Natalia Escobedo of Alma de Mexico Folklorico.
"I want them to be happy to see what Mexico is," said dancer Macayla Rivera of Alma de Mexico Folklorico.
“I am 82 years old. I know this is a great place. I love to see thy rss children dancing … so super," said Ogella.
The dancers have been performing for the Friendship Center since Monday and they will continue through Friday.
