Former Ballerina With Alzheimer’s Listens To Swan Lake And Remembers Choreography

This is the moment a former ballerina with Alzheimer's listens to the music from 'Swan Lake' which she performed to decades ago:

Marta C Gonzalez transformed in front of people's eyes as she begins listening to Tchaikovsky's composition and recalls the choreography.

Ms Gonzalez, who has now sadly passed away, becomes animated and her hands spread out, taking her back to being a delicate ballerina, and captivating those watching her.

According to the Mirror, the former prima ballerina danced in New York during the 1960s and performed Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' hundreds of times during her career.

Despite being in a wheelchair, she completes all of the upper body choreography and, upon finishing, is congratulated with a round of applause by staff and residents at the care home she resided at in Valencia.

After the beautiful performance, Ms Gonzalez told one of the members of staff that she was feeling 'emotional'.

She passed away in 2019 but the clip is circulating on social media after it was shared by Spanish musical therapy group - Música para Despertar.

The therapy group wrote: "First Dancer of the New York Ballet in the 60s.

"Being able to listen to this immense work of art with a person who danced it and was a fundamental part of its history.

"The power of Music is immeasurable. Thanks to life.

"Thanks to the Muro de Alcoy Residence for opening their doors and their hearts to us. Unforgettable life experiences, and so much to learn from our Wise Men and Women.

"The immense Marta C. González, may she Rest in Peace."

Replying to the video, one person wrote: "It gave me so much tenderness to see her imagine and remember listening to music.

"It is that music is magical and has the power to make you feel and evoke."

Another added: "This is something wonderful to see this dancer moved me to tears, thanks to the people who take care of them. God bless you."

A third commented: "Congratulations on helping these beautiful human jewels to awaken what was asleep in them, through music, it is wonderful.

"God bless those who make this beautiful project of life possible."

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Música para Despertar

Topics: Viral, Dance, Community

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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