A video released on Friday showed residents and staff of the Aldwood Retirement Center in Witleys Bay in the Netherlands reporting to Kenny Loggins (Kenny Loggins) free, This The hit song of 1984, used as the soundtrack to the movie of the same name, tells of an American town where dancing is forbidden.

“We want to show… how happy people dance, how charming, how harmless and safe it is,” said Renee Houlihan, Aldwood Entertainment Director When it happens Guest host Susan Bonner.

“Especially this generation of Newfoundlanders, who have been dancing spears and square dances, jigs and Newfoundland waltz since they were young. I mean, our dance originated in Newfoundland, and music and dance are indeed related to their past. related.”

This video was released after the residents of nursing homes across the province and the country spent a long, hard and lonely 16 months.

Watch | Alderwood Retirement Centre showcases Footloose:

Alder Houlihan said that last month received updated COVID-19 guidelines from the province, residents are pleased that some restrictions have been relaxed to allow more tourists and outdoor excursions-as long as everyone follows Current Provincial Health Guidelines.

According to a notice on June 28 by the Eastern Health Bureau, the largest health agency in the province, residents of nursing homes can now “carry out all activities, including meals, without wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance”, as long as everyone, including staff, is completely Was vaccinated.

However, the announcement stated that “dancing is only allowed at weddings.”

“They just expressed dissatisfaction with it,” Houlihan said. “They waited 16 months without dancing. They like to dance.”

She said everyone in Alderwood had been double-vaccinated, including the staff.

“We are in a bubble. We are in a small town with 2,000 people. Only about 30 to 35 people come to the party. They really just want to dance with each other. They don’t understand why, if not now, when? “Holyhan said.

“After letting ourselves sit in a chair for 16 months, what are we waiting for?”

The Eastern Health Bureau referred all issues to the Provincial Health Department. When it happens The provincial government has been contacted for comments, but there was no response as of the deadline.

Houlihan said that before the pandemic, Alderwood would hold three dances a week.

“That will be their aerobic exercise, just like I did in the spinning class. This is their physical way out,” she said.

“They do not participate in activities such as rock climbing, kayaking or downhill skiing. It is their choice to express themselves, which is vital to their mental, physical and emotional health.

“Our residents may feel uncomfortable, they don’t come out for dinner, and then they hear… Gray foggy day, The song floated into the room, they stood up like Lazarus and found themselves moving, dancing, joy and happiness in the room. “

Although the video is a protest, Hollyhan said that no one violated any epidemic rules to make it. During the filming, the residents kept a physical distance, and Lihan was completely blocked behind the camera.

No matter what happens next, Houlihan said that Alderwood’s predecessors are proud of what they have created. As of Tuesday, This video has been viewed more than 11,000 times, Received an overwhelmingly positive response.

“It is a wonderful thing to see them all participating in the political process,” she said.

“No matter what happens, even if the government does not reflect and change policies, they will feel that they are actively participating in and in control of their lives and future. This gives them a goal.”

Written by Sheena Goodyear and Keena Al-Wahaidi. Interview with Renee Houlihan produce Via Niza Lyapa Nondo.