“You are not alone”: how Gentle Tango affects older adults’ close social relationships: A phenomenological exploration of two case studies

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of a Gentle Tango dance programme (located in Victoria, Australia) on older adults’ close social relationships. Primary data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with two older adults who participated in the programme. A total of five Gentle Tango staff member/ volunteers were also recruited for interviews meant to obtain a contextual understanding of the programme. While analysis of the staff/volunteer interview transcripts remained at the level of description, analysis of the two primary case studies necessitated a phenomenologically oriented thematic approach. Themes that emerged in the study concerned participants’ relationships and connection with their life partner and other dance participants. An important issue that was recognised in the analysis was that both participants’ life partners have illnesses that made it difficult for them to take part in a mainstream dance class. Overall findings suggest that Gentle Tango provides an environment for participants and their partners to embody “learner”, “dancer” and even “partner” roles. Through the incorporation of these forementioned roles, Gentle Tango offered an expanse of connective opportunities for participants, including a sense of belonging, being part of a culture of acceptance, kinaesthetic learning experiences and embodied brief but intense moments of connection in the dance. Furthermore, the findings of this study suggest that dance, specifically Gentle Tango, may be a way to overcome structural barriers experienced by older adults in fulfilling social needs by providing an environment formulated to cater to the differing needs of its participants.