RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

[For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Performances to Liven Up a Year-End Party

[For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Performances to Liven Up a Year-End Party
Last updated:

As the year comes to a close, some of you may be planning a year-end party to wrap things up.

Are you wondering what kind of performance to put on?

This time, we’ve gathered lots of recommended performance ideas for staff working in senior care facilities.

We introduce options like dances to famous songs that seniors likely listened to in the past, handbell performances, and simple magic tricks.

Try creating an atmosphere that encourages audience participation—ask for handclaps and make it enjoyable for those watching!

With these sure-to-excite performances, make some wonderful memories to cap off the year.

[For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Entertainment Ideas That Will Liven Up a Year-End Party (1–10)

Easy Boogie-Woogie Dance

Let's all dance! Easy boogie-woogie dance!!
Easy Boogie-Woogie Dance

A dance set to Shizuko Kasagi’s signature song “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie.” For those who know the tune it’s nostalgic, and even those who don’t can feel the rhythm.

The choreography features large arm movements, and throughout, let’s express the joy of moving in time with the music.

The gentle rhythm is another key point: by keeping the choreography simple, people can not only watch but also join in casually.

There’s also a section where everyone holds hands and forms a circle, which is a great way to create a strong sense of unity among the whole group.

Sazae-san dance

[By care staff] Sazae-san Dance: Tried to imitate it!
Sazae-san dance

This is a performance where dancers wear Sazae-san masks and dance to the ending theme of the national anime Sazae-san, titled “Sazae-san Ikka.” The appeal lies in the choice of a highly recognizable anime and song, paired with choreography that’s comical and unrelated to the original.

While dance typically conjures an image of perfectly synchronized movement, the slow tempo of the song and the humorous choreography help convey a sense of fun and lightness—even if the moves aren’t fully in sync.

However, it’s important to keep the turning move, where you face forward to show the Sazae-san mask, sharp and precise—this contrast is key to enhancing the humor.

Hige Dance

[Care Worker] Hige DANCE @ Miyoshi Yuseien
Hige Dance

Members sporting fake mustaches make their entrance, stepping in time to rhythmic music, and go on to showcase a variety of performances along with dance.

Some people might recognize it as a segment from TV that Ken Shimura and Cha Kato used to do.

The acts are technically demanding—starting with ball catching—so it’s important to execute them seriously to draw the audience’s attention.

Striking a good balance between comical dancing and moments that make people gasp is key, creating a strong contrast.

It could also be a good idea to include an interactive segment, such as having participants throw balls for you to catch.

Doppelganger Doll: Bride Samba

Can't stop laughing!! Doppelgänger doll — Bride Samba — 2019 Hana Ichigo
Doppelganger Doll: Bride Samba

It’s a performance where you connect your limbs and a doll’s limbs with rods so your movements are synchronized, then showcase a dance.

Since the rods restrict your motion, think carefully about which choreography will look comical.

Your and the doll’s outfits are also important—creating a coordinated look to present yourselves as a group is key; a style that conveys unity and flair even as a solo act is recommended.

If you choose a song the audience knows, they’ll be able to focus on the dance and feel the fun more fully.

Hand Clap Dance

Beginner-Friendly [HAND CLAP] Perfect 6-Minute Uncut! A Professional Gives It a Try! Ideal for Day-Service Activities, Entertainment, and Events!
Hand Clap Dance

A dance that became popular as an exercise program—its cheerful vibe, with claps in time to the rhythm, is really appealing.

Because the movements of the arms and legs are big to achieve dieting effects, keep that firmly in mind and make sure people can see both the fun of the dance and its power.

The clapping is an important part of the presentation; if you get people to join in with this rhythm-keeping motion, the atmosphere will feel even more enjoyable, so it’s highly recommended.

If it looks like you’re pushing yourself too hard, the fun is diminished, so proceed lightly and within a comfortable, sustainable range.

Handbell ‘Mount Fuji’

Create a model video of “Fujiyama” using 8-note music bells (handbells)
Handbell 'Mount Fuji'

It’s an activity where each person rings their assigned bells at just the right moment to complete the music, letting everyone enjoy the sense of unity in the moment.

How many bells each person handles also matters; if someone skillfully switches between many bells, not only the tones but also the performer’s technique will draw attention.

For song selection, simple melodies with a relaxed tempo—like the children’s song “Fujinoyama” (Mt.

Fuji)—are recommended.

Keep a steady rhythm while also playing the harmonies.

After giving a model performance, have the audience participate by assigning them a bell to play; this way they can experience both the fun and the difficulty of performing, which we also highly recommend.

Handbell ‘Yuyake Koyake’

How to Use the Easy Music Bells “Hiragana Performance®” Textbook: Yuyake Koyake
Handbell 'Yuyake Koyake'

A performance where you play music with handbells you’re holding—if it’s a familiar song, the audience will really be able to appreciate how skillful the playing is.

Here, let’s perform the children’s song “Yuyake Koyake” on handbells so the audience can experience both the quality of the performance and the beauty of the tone.

The beauty of the sound will also change depending on how many bells you ring at once and how you build the harmonies.

After presenting a model performance, it’s also recommended to have the audience join in by playing only certain notes; this format lets them feel both the fun and the difficulty of performing.