Bringing Dance to Families Living with Dementia: Esther’s Work with Dementia Together

When Esther moved to Colorado to dance with Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB), she never imagined that her passion for dance would lead her to impactful experiences beyond the stage. Through her work as Dementia Together’s part-time marketing coordinator, she has found a way to utilize her love for dance as a tool for connection, bringing joy and movement to people living with dementia.

Dementia Together is a local organization that builds connections for those living with dementia, their care partners, and the community through education and enrichment services. In her role, Esther works with a compassionate team to promote the resources that support those living with dementia, ensuring that families feel connected, informed, and empowered. However, her involvement goes beyond just marketing—Esther has been able to bring the art of ballet to Dementia Together’s participants through their monthly memory cafés.

These memory cafés are held in-person and online at various locations in Northern Colorado for families and their loved ones living with dementia to reminisce, socialize, enjoy music, entertainment, and community. At some of Dementia Together’s memory cafés Esther has been able to share her love for dance by demonstrating ballet, offering them a glimpse into the artistry and discipline of the dance world. Additionally, she shares insights about her work with CCB, allowing the attendees to connect with her on a personal level and gain a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.

One of the most rewarding parts of her work is building collaboration between CCB and Dementia Together. Families living with dementia who are interested in attending CCB performances can receive discounted tickets or attend dress rehearsals at no charge. By bridging the gap between the ballet world and the dementia community, she is working to make the arts more inclusive, ensuring that more people can experience the beauty and emotion of dance. Ballet has a unique ability to spark connection and emotions, and Esther is helping to bring that gift to those who need it most.

Through her work with Dementia Together, Esther has discovered new ways to use her talents to make a difference. By integrating ballet into community programs, she continues to prove that dance is not just a performance art—it is a means of fostering joy, engagement, and togetherness for people of all ages and abilities. Her work is a great reminder of how the arts can enrich lives in unexpected and meaningful ways.