When the Memories Faded, We Danced 💜

My mother, Adina Latham, loved to dance.

But for us, dancing became so much more than music and movement.

As dementia began taking pieces of the woman she knew herself to be, there were moments when the pain, frustration and confusion became overwhelming. Sometimes the memories would fade. Sometimes she seemed to lose touch with herself.

And when words weren't enough, we danced.

We would turn on the music and let it change the energy in the room. We'd move, laugh, sing, and simply be together.

For those moments, the heaviness lifted.

Dancing became our way of turning a difficult day into a brighter one.

It gave us something dementia couldn't take away in that moment—the ability to connect through music, movement and joy.

That is where Dancing for Dementia began.

What started between a daughter and her mother has now become an annual celebration. This year marks our 3rd Annual Dancing for Dementia, created in honor of Adina and in support of the many individuals and families whose lives have been touched by dementia.

When we gather, we aren't dancing because dementia isn't painful.

We're dancing because joy is still possible.

We're dancing for the memories we have.

We're dancing for the moments that remain.

We're dancing for the caregivers who need a moment to breathe.

We're dancing for the families who understand this journey.

And most of all, I'm dancing for my mother.

Because even when the memories of herself seemed to disappear, there was something about the music that could still reach her.

So we danced. And we danced. And we danced. 💜

This is the story behind Dancing for Dementia.

In honor of Adina Latham.
In celebration of life.
And in hope for brighter days.

💜 Come dance with us.